Help Autistic Children with 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, autistic children may rely on it more heavily, and autistic people may use it through their teen and adult years.

Steps

Teaching Scripts

1. Know the purpose of scripts. Autistic children may rely upon scripts to make communication easier. Many autistic children repeat words and phrases (echolalia) as a way to say, “I heard what you said and am thinking about the answer.”
   • 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.
2. Teach the “I don’t know” script. For those questions to which they do not know the answer, autistic 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.
   • Try asking a series of questions to the child that you know they don't know the answer to. For example, ask "Where are your friends?" and prompt the answer by saying, “I don’t know.” Then, “What is the capital of Kansas?” followed by, “I don’t know.” You can write down many questions ahead of time and practice this script each time.
   • Another way to teach the “I don’t know” script is by having another person there who answers the unknown questions with “I don’t know.”
3. 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. Try this with all questions that have the same answer. “What color is our house?” followed by “Brown.” And, “What is our dog’s name?” followed by “Spot.” It’s important that you supply the answers every time to teach the script until the child starts doing it on his own.
   • This approach only works for questions that always have the same answer. For example, it would not work for "What color is your shirt?" because the child's shirt color will change each day.
4. 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.
5. Teach scripts that focus on needs. If an autistic child cannot communicate their needs, they may become frustrated or distressed, and melt down. 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.

Using the Modeling Technique

1. Use the exact words you want the child to use. Modelling should include the exact words and phrases which the child can understand, pick up and reproduce. This helps them learn how to phrase the things they want to say.
   • For example: you already know that the child dislikes playing with a certain toy, but in order to teach them to express it verbally, you can offer the toy and then keep using phrases or words such as "no thank you," or "I don't want to."
   • When the child uses the desired phrase, give the desired outcome. For example, if the child successfully says "I want more please," then give them more.
   • If you repeat the phrase several times and the child does not respond, do the desired action. The child will start associating the phrase with the action. Then try again later. In time, the child will start using the phrase.
2. 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.
3. Say statements to your child, 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.
   • For example: if you see them trying to reach something, instead of asking “Do you want me to help you?” try saying, “Help me reach my toy, please,” or “Please lift me up so I can reach my book.” Encourage them to repeat the phrase. Then, whether the child repeats it or not, help them.
4. 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.
   • When the child needs to be commended for a job well done, then instead of using the name of the child, use the congratulatory word alone. Instead of “Great job Alex!” just say “Great job!” or show it through actions in the form of kisses, a pat on the back, or a hug.
5. Keep teaching fun and lighthearted. Choose a time when you are both relaxed, and be willing to make it silly or turn it into a game. This will help the child look forward to learning, and it will give the two of you an opportunity to connect and have fun.
   • Teaching should not be painful, nor should it involve a battle of the wills. If one or both of you are getting too frustrated, stop and try again later.

Understanding the Communication Purposes of Echolalia

1. Learn about the purposes of echolalia in autism. Echolalia has many uses as a form of communication. Autistic children may use it...
   • If they don't know the meaning of individual words or the purposes or uses of questions. In these cases, children rely on phrases that they've heard to communicate. For example, saying "Do you want a cookie?" instead of “Can I have a cookie?” because in the past when an adult said the first question, a cookie materialized.
   • If they are stressed. Echolalia is easier than spontaneous speech, which makes it easier to use during stress. For example, an autistic in a crowded room might be struggling to process all the noise and movement around them, so forming complete sentences might be too much.
   • If they feel the same way they felt another time when a statement was used. Echolalia can communicate feelings. For example, the child may say, "The pool is closed today" to express any type of disappointment, because there was one time that the pool was closed and he was disappointed.
   • If they need time to think. For example, when asked what they want for supper, an autistic person might ask themselves "What do I want for supper?" This shows that they heard it and gives them time to think.
   • If they're trying to connect. Echolalia may be used as games or jokes.
2. Remember that delayed echolalia may be used outside of social interaction. This can help autistic people in several ways:
   • Remembering things. Autistic children may have trouble keeping track of a series of steps. They may repeat the sequence to themselves as they work, to help them remember and assure themselves that they are doing it correctly. For example: "Get a cup. Pour your juice slowly. Not too fast. Put the cap back on. Good job."
   • Calming down. Repeating a reassuring phrase can help autistic children control their emotions and relax.
   • Stimming. Vocal stimming may help with a number of things: concentration, self-control, and elevating mood. If the child is disrupting others, you may ask for them to turn down the volume, but it's usually best to let them enjoy themselves.
3. Notice when your child uses echolalia. This will help you discern its purpose.
   • A child who uses echolalia before a meltdown probably is using it due to severe distress or sensory overload.
   • A child who repeats your question (e.g. "Do you want a cookie?" to express wanting a cookie) may not understand the meaning or purpose of a question.
   • A child who repeats phrases to themselves in a singsong voice is probably using it for concentration or enjoyment.
4. 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 autistic/disabled children.
5. Stay patient and give your child time. If autistic children don't feel pressured to respond immediately, they can feel more relaxed and use language better. Be patient and make it clear that you're happy to hear what they have to say, no matter how long it takes for them to say it.
   • Allow pauses in the conversation for your child to think. Forming a coherent response may take a lot of cognitive energy for them.

Tips

• To understand echolalia better, try reading from autistic adults who use(d) echolalia.
• Consult with an autism speech specialist for more assistance and support.
• Look into alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) to help bridge the gap if your child's communication abilities are severely limited. Communicate With an Autistic Child Using the Picture Exchange Communication System, sign language, and typing can all serve as stepping stones to help children communicate if they struggle with speech.

Warnings

• Helping the child is good, but overworking them is not. Children—especially autistic children—need plenty of downtime to relax.
• Find Campaigns That Support Autism about the organizations you consult for organization. Some groups demonize autism and try to stamp it out. This attitude will not help the child.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Deal with a Lazy Child
• Teach Kids About Compound Interest
• Help Children Learn
• Teach Your Teen to Be a Good Employee
• Teach Kids Patience
• Do Spring Cleaning with Kids
• Discipline an Autistic Child
• Teach a Child to Carry Numbers
• Reduce Meltdowns and Tantrums in Autistic Children
• Teach Autistic Children

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