Echolalia is the tendency to systematically repeat all or part of the phrases spoken by an interlocutor as a verbal response. It is one of the possible characteristics of several innate or acquired psychiatric and neurological disorders, some of which may overlap, such as autism.

In practical terms, it is when a child repeats what you say “like a parrot.” This was a tremendous asset for me in my daughter’s development. KN would repeat everything I said—she showed no creativity or even understanding of what I was saying during our exchanges. She simply echoed what she heard!

For example, if I said, “Hello!” she would reply, “Hello!” If I asked, “How are you?” she would respond the same way. When I continued with, “I’m fine,” she would do the same. At that point, I would hold her hands, look into her eyes, give her my brightest smile, and say, “When someone asks how you are, you say, ‘I’m fine.’” And so on—when I told her, “You’re gorgeous, you’re beautiful!” and she repeated it, I would guide her to respond with, “Thank youuu!” Today, if you ask her how she is, she’ll say she’s fine, and if you compliment her, she’ll thank you.

You can also use echolalia to express love to your child. When I told my daughter, “I love you,” she would say, “I love you,” and I would respond, “I love you too.” She would repeat it, and I’d say again, “I love you,” and so on, until she understood and retained it. Now, when someone tells her, “I love you,” she replies, “I love you too.” This is how our exchanges used to—and still do—unfold, covering many topics, such as what she ate.

If your autistic child repeats everything you say or everything they hear like a parrot, don’t panic—be happy, be glad, because you hold in your hands one of the greatest secrets to helping your child speak. So, use echolalia—it’s an excellent trick—and I assure you, you’ll be amazed at your child’s progress in language. If it worked for me, it will work for you too. Use it to teach them a little bit of everything at home, and it will do you both a world of good!

Games and certain activities will also help achieve these goals and, in turn, help your child move forward…

This text is an excerpt from the book “BEYOND DISABILITY” written by ARLETTE SALINE MBIDA.

We invite you to read the next article: “APPRECIATING EVERY STEP AND CELEBRATING THEM“.