Echolalia

Echolalia is the repetition of certain words or phrases spoken by someone else, either immediately after the words were said, or later on. It is often described as parrot-like mimicry. For instance, when asked, “Do you want some juice?” a child with echolalia may answer, “Want some juice?” Echolalia is, to some extent, considered to be a normal part of language acquisition for very young children. However, children with special needs may rely on it more heavily.

There are certain strategies if we as a parent follow can reduce Echolalia. Children with special needs may rely upon scripts to make communication easier.Try to remain calm and patient while interacting with the child. If you think about the fact that echolalia serves a communication purpose for the child, and it’s not just way to try and frustrate people, it can help you to see it from the child’s point of view.

1. Teach the “I don’t know” script. For those questions to which they do not know the answer, children should be encouraged to say “I don’t know”. There is evidence to suggest that training a child to use “I don’t know” to respond to questions to which they don't know the answer helps in picking up and using this new phrase appropriately.

2. Prompt the child to give the correct response. Children may use echolalia when they don't know how to respond, or how to turn their thoughts into appropriate words. Providing a script helps them know what to say.For example, ask "What is your name?" and prompt the correct response (the child’s name). Repeat this until he has learned the right script.

3.Teach your child plenty of scripts. This way, your child can successfully communicate basic things, even when feeling overwhelmed.This gradual process can provide the tools to build confidence, vocabulary, communication and proper interaction for the child

4.Teach scripts that focus on needs. Scripts will help them tell you what they need, allowing you to fix the problem before they are pushed over the tipping point and start screaming or crying. Example scripts include:

• I need quiet time.

• I'm hungry

• That's too loud.

• Please stop.

5. Use the exact words you want the child to use. phrases which the child can understand, pick up and reproduce. This helps them learn how to phrase the things they want to say.

6. Leave a blank in your sentences and point to the answer. If you intend to give your child a snack or if it is time for the child to drink the milk, then you could model by saying “I want to drink ____ (point to the milk and say “milk”). Or say, “I would like a ____” (point to the snack and say “snack”). In time, the child will fill in the blank by themselves.

7. Say statements , rather than asking questions. It is best to avoid questions such as “Do you want this?” or “Do you want help?” because they will repeat the questions. Instead, say what they should say.

8.Avoid saying the child’s name at the end of phrases. The child will start repeating it after you and it won’t make sense. When saying “Hi!” or “Goodnight!” simply say the word and don’t say their name after it. Or, you can say their name first and then pause and say what you intend to say last.

Handle any frustrations on your end. Sometimes it may be a frustrating experience having the ends of all your statements and questions repeated. Remember that the child is trying to communicate when doing this. They simply don't have the same language skills that you do yet.

• Take deep breaths. If you need to, go into a different room for a little while if you get very frustrated and take some deep breaths and collect your thoughts.

• Remember that the child is probably frustrated too. (They certainly aren't having meltdowns for the fun of it.)

• Take care of yourself. Parenting can be exhausting sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with admitting that. Take baths, practice yoga, allow yourself time with other adults, and consider joining a community group of parents or caregivers of children with special needs.