“Echolalia is purposeful communication, full of communicative intent. It connects, protests, requests, and comments. It expresses joy, frustration, excitement, and a full range of emotional experiences. Responding to a child’s echolalia honors their desire to connect and supports their language development. ”
What is Echolalia?
Echolalia is when an individual repeats an utterance immediately after hearing it or with a significant time delay. These utterances can come from things they've watched or heard others say.
Echolalia is meaningful communication! A child who uses echolalia in most communication is likely a Gestalt Language Processor. Gestalt Language Processors begin their language journey by processing language in chunks! GLPs do go on to develop self-generated language. Some GLPs need support in this journey.
Traditional therapy approaches do not support our Gestalt Language Processors' reach self-generated language. Natural Language Acquisition is the recommended intervention to help Gestalt Language Processors get from echolalia to creating their own phrases.
How can I support my Gestalt Language Processor?
Connect with a clinician who knows about Gestalt Language Processing. At SORO, Our therapists are trained in Natural Language Acquisition and have experience supporting echolalia. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we support Gestalt Language Processors through the stages of Natural Language Acquisition.
References:
Blanc, M. (2012). Natural language acquisition on the autism spectrum: The journey from echolalia to self-generated language. Communication Development Center.
Prizant, B. M. (1982). Gestalt language and gestalt processing in autism. Topics in Language Disorders, 3(1), 16–23.
Meaningful speech - echolalia education - gestalt language processing. Meaningful Speech - Echolalia Education - Gestalt Language Processing. https://www.meaningfulspeech.com