Why Does My Toddler Repeat Words & Phrases? Echolalia Explained

Have you ever experienced watching your child repeat words or phrases outside of context? You are driving in the car, and your child suddenly starts repeating lines from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that have nothing to do with what you are doing. Believe it or not, this phenomenon does have a name and several implications for language. It is called echolalia.

Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases, often seen in toddlers learning language. This can be a normal developmental phase or a sign of underlying communication challenges dependent on the child’s use of language, where they are with their developmental milestones, and external factors (i.e., medical conditions, genetics, environment) The role of a speech pathologist continues to develop with this particular area of need.

What is Echolalia?

Echoalia is a form of verbal imitation in which the child starts to repeat words, phrases, or sentences outside of contextual boundaries. Repetition plays a significant role in learning speech and language; it can lead to imitation of grammatical structures, articulation production, and social context use. Echolalia is a form of imitation that can be immediate or delayed. It is commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gestalt language processing.

Why Does My Toddler Repeat Words and Phrases Over and Over? Normal Developmental Echolalia

As mentioned, imitation is a natural process that can facilitate the development of speech production and language acquisition. When you say, “I want an apple.” In repetition, your child begins to learn the many facets of that particular model. This can include vowel production, word endings and grammar, sentence structure, and the social context in which to use those models. Through repetition, your child may start to imitate one or multiple words in that particular phrase whenever they see an apple or express hunger. This can be done with almost every single day-to-day routine: playing with toys, getting ready for bed, greeting family, and more!

Echolalia as a Sign of a Speech or Developmental Disorder

Echolalia may be a sign of a language or developmental disorder. It is commonly associated with Autism, a condition in which individuals perceive and interact with the world by a different means. The signs of echolalia can vary based on your child’s preferences and priorities. For example, if your child likes movies like Moana or Frozen, you may hear them repeat certain phrases, characters, lyrics, or monologues from those movies outside of context. (i.e., “Let it go!” when the child is eating breakfast)

Types of Echolalia and Their Functions

Immediate Echolalia

Immediate echolalia is repeating words or phrases right after hearing them. Whether it's from a movie scene or during play routines, immediate imitation can assist in language processing and response formulation. For example, when playing with bubbles, the parent might model the steps of how to blow bubbles. The child, with modeling and cueing from the parents, could imitate each step (i.e., bubble wand in cup, mix, deep breath, then blow!)

Delayed Echolalia

Delayed echolalia is described as repeating words, phrases, or sentences from past experiences and out of the current social context. It is vital to work with your team (i.e., SLP, BCBA/ABA, OT, Teacher) to understand the meaning behind the use of echolalia. Scripts taken from movies or previous routines may be indicative of your child communicating a current want or need in their life. Scripts can come from their favorite TV shows, songs, books, previous interactions, and other means of communication.

Functional vs. Non-Functional Echolalia

Echolalia can play a significant role in the development of functional communication through immediate or delayed scripts. It is important to distinguish between functional and nonfunctional echolalia in your child’s daily routine. For example, a child may use “I’m lovin’ it!” to indicate they are hungry. Non-functional echolalia may be vocalized by the child as a means of self-regulation and have no intention at all.

What Causes Echolalia?

Typical Language Development

Repetition and imitation are two important skills utilized to build language, especially for toddlers. Our children are consistently imitating specific language models to understand several key factors, which can include speech sounds, word endings, grammar, sentence structure, and social context. While our children will continue to develop those skills in school, we can set the groundwork from 0-3 years to help build robust language.

Autism and Echolalia

Echolalia is a common communication characteristic in autistic children. While echolalia can be used to learn new language models, it may also be used for self-soothing or to process information.

When working with a speech-language therapist, therapy sessions will be personalized to work on building functional language that promotes independence, clarity, and spontaneity.

Anxiety and Echolalia

As previously mentioned, some children repeat phrases as a way to self-regulate in stressful situations. You may see these interactions and use of echolalia when your child is exposed to new environments, different routines, or new peers. Working with your child to front load them and provide language models for them can help them understand their new environments with reduced anxiety.

When Should Parents Be Concerned About Echolalia?

If parents have concerns about their child’s echolalia, they should seek consultation from a healthcare professional. Always speak to your PCP or pediatrician to determine the best course of action. If your child’s needs are in speech and language, the doctor may refer you to an SLP. If it is behavioral, you may be referred to a psychiatrist/psychologist or neurologist for cognitive concerns. If sensory, your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist. Be sure to provide your doctor with pertinent health and social information about your child’s echolalia and communication function.

Speech Therapy and Echolalia

Encouraging Spontaneous Speech

Speech and language therapy focuses on helping children generate their own responses. Using previously known scripts, the SLP will work with you and your child to slowly offer alternatives to various scripts that help your child recognize efficient ways to communicate. For example, if your child says, “I like to eat, eat, apples and bananas…” When indicating a need, the SLP will work with your child through play routines and functional activities to modify or provide an alternative response that is clearer in nature. Conversations will revolve around the script,s with the SLP interjecting appropriate social cues throughout the exchanges to model interactions that the child may encounter in school, with friends, or with unfamiliar family members.

Teaching Functional Communication Skills

The purpose of speech therapy is not to eliminate echolalia or treat it as a negative behavior. While it can be used to communicate, it may also be used to provide self-regulation and self-soothing when the child is feeling anxious. Functional communication, from the lens of speech therapy, teaches the child alternative language models for requesting, expressing needs, labeling basic concepts, and understanding emotions through play-based sessions. Therapy is meant to empower our children to use language independently on their terms.

Supporting Parents in Language Development

Understanding your child’s echolalia can be overwhelming when first working with your care teams. Here are some strategies you can use when working with your child daily:

• Journal or record your child’s scripts - It will be vital to know what scripts your child uses and in what setting. Are they singing Frozen songs during dinner? Are they scripting a Miss Rachel video before bedtime? Keeping a record of your child’s scripts can help care teams determine the functionality of each script and how to personalize treatment goals.
• Model and repeat - Modeling and repetition can help your child build foundational language skills in everyday settings. Use low-constraint models and styles: comments, positive affirmations, open-ended questions, and narrator-driven content.
• Child-Led, Play-Driven - It may be difficult for a toddler to attend to flashcards or computer screens for long periods. Your care team may recommend targeting language in play routines directed or led by your child. Follow their interest, their curiosity, and joy! This can help build positive experiences with spontaneous language and help promote independence.

Take the First Step Toward Improving Your Child’s Communication

Echolalia can be a complex puzzle towards promoting independent language for your child. Working with a licensed speech-language pathologist can help create personalized goals to address language in a way that empowers your child to be an independent communicator. You can continue to learn more about echolalia and speech therapy here at Verse Therapy or check out resources like the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Are you ready to find out more about echolalia? Do you have more questions? You can schedule a free consultation with one of our partnered SLPs to see if fluency therapy is right for you or your loved ones!