What Is Echolalia?
Echolalia in children refers to when a child repeats words, phrases, or sentences they have heard someone else say.
For example:
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Adult: “Do you want to go outside?”
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Child: “Go outside?”
Many parents first notice this repetition at home or are introduced to the word echolalia by a health professional. While the term can sound concerning, echolalia is not automatically a problem.
In everyday language, echolalia is often called echoing speech.
Types of Echolalia
There are two main types of echolalia commonly discussed in speech pathology.
Immediate Echolalia
This occurs when a child repeats what they hear straight away.
Delayed Echolalia
This occurs when a child repeats words or phrases they heard earlier, such as lines from a favourite book, song, or TV show.
Both types can serve a communicative purpose, depending on the child and the context.
Why Do Children Use Echolalia?
Children may use echolalia for many reasons. It is often a strategy, not meaningless repetition.
Echolalia may help a child:
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Process and understand language
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Attempt to answer a question
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Practise new sentence patterns
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Regulate emotions or manage stress
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Participate in interaction when unsure what to say
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Communicate needs using familiar language
In many cases, echolalia acts as a bridge toward independent, self-generated speech.
Is Echolalia Normal?
Yes — echolalia can be a normal part of language development, especially in:
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Toddlers and preschool-aged children
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Children with emerging language skills
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Children learning complex sentence structures
Many children naturally move from repetition to more flexible language as their understanding and confidence grow.
When Might Echolalia Be a Concern?
Echolalia may need further support if:
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Most communication is repetitive rather than spontaneous
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The child rarely uses their own words
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Language understanding appears limited
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Echolalia does not change or develop over time
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The child becomes frustrated when communicating
A speech pathology assessment can help determine whether echolalia is supporting communication or limiting it.
Echolalia and Autism
Echolalia is commonly discussed in relation to autism, but it’s important to understand:
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Not all children who use echolalia are autistic
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Echolalia in autistic children often has clear meaning and intent
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Modern speech therapy does not aim to eliminate echolalia
Instead, echolalia is recognised as part of a child’s communication system.
Echolalia and Language Learning Styles
For some children, echolalia is part of a language learning style known as gestalt language processing.
Gestalt language learners acquire language in meaningful chunks, rather than single words. Echolalia plays an important role in how these children understand and use language.
👉 You can learn more about this in our article on Gestalt Language Processing.
How Speech Therapy Supports Children with Echolalia
Speech therapy focuses on supporting communication, not stopping repetition.
At Perth Speech Therapy, support may include:
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Understanding the function of a child’s echolalia
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Supporting comprehension and language processing
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Modelling flexible, functional language
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Helping children move from repetition to self-generated speech
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Coaching parents on how to respond at home
Therapy is play-based, child-led, and strengths-focused.
A Reassuring Note for Parents 💛
If your child uses echolalia, it does not mean you have done anything wrong.
For many children, echolalia is their way of making sense of language and connecting with others.
With understanding and the right support, many children develop confident, meaningful communication.
📍 Perth Speech Therapy – Alfred Cove
📞 0412 256 656