Hearing your autistic child speak, but only in lines from a movie, a commercial, or dialogue from a favorite book, is known as echolalia or scripted language. This can range from repeating what you just said (immediate echolalia) to reciting long, complex phrases heard days ago (delayed echolalia). When an autistic child uses scripted language or echolalia excessively, it can be confusing for parents and peers and may feel like a communication barrier. However, it’s vital to recognize that this is a meaningful, functional form of communication, not just meaningless repetition. Learning how to respond empathetically and strategically can help you unlock the message hidden within the script.
Understanding the Mechanism
Echolalia and scripting are often a form of language processing where the child stores language in chunks. It serves several functions: it can be a way to self-regulate anxiety (the script is predictable), a form of practice for speech, or, most importantly, a way to communicate a feeling or need associated with the script’s original context. For example, a line from a movie where a character is scared might mean, “I am scared right now.”
Natural Strategies to Try
Your response should aim to validate the attempt to communicate while gently guiding them toward more flexible language.
Become a “Script Detective”: Try to figure out the emotion or need attached to the script. If they use a script from a scene about getting a toy, they might be asking for a toy. Validate the emotion: “I hear you saying that you want something,” and then offer a simple, functional word: “Do you want the ball?”
Model the Correct Language: Repeat a short, simple, functional phrase, pairing it with the object or action. If they script a line about wanting a snack, you say, “I want a snack,” and hand it to them. Keep your modeling simple and close to the child’s meaning.
Use Visual Supports: If the script is repeated due to high anxiety, use a visual cue (like a picture of a calming item or a “calm down” card) and prompt them to use the visual instead of the script for self-regulation.
Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Success
The goal is to move the child from scripted to self-generated language.
Pause and Wait: Resist the urge to immediately interrupt or finish their script. Allow them the time to process and formulate the communication.
Offer Sentence Starters: Use simple phrases to encourage original language, such as, “I feel_____” or “I want_____.” Use a visual cue to fill in the blank.
Contextualize the Language: During play, use simple, direct language related to what you are doing. Focus on short, declarative statements rather than long questions.
Learning how to respond when an autistic child uses scripted language or echolalia excessively requires patience and a shift in perspective. By seeing the script as a window into their internal world, you can connect with their meaning and guide them toward clearer communication. What is one of your child’s favorite scripts, and what does it usually mean?