Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Learning Scripts
• Method 2 of 3: Modeling Method
• Method 3 of 3: Communication Purpose of Echolalia
• Tips
• Warnings

Echolalia is the repetition of certain words and phrases heard in someone else's speech. Words are repeated either immediately after they have been heard, or later.People with echolalia often repeat the words "like parrots." For example, if a child with echolalia is asked: "Do you want juice?", He may answer: "Do you want juice?" In very young children, echolalia is to some extent considered a completely normal component of language acquisition. But children with autism use echolalia much more often, and it can be observed in them in adolescence and adulthood.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Learning Scripts

1. 1 Understand the purpose of scripting. Children with autism can use scripts to make communication easier. Many children with autism repeat words and phrases (echolalia), wanting to say, "I heard what you said, and now I am thinking about the answer."
   • When talking with your child, try to remain calm and patient. Accepting the fact that echolalia helps the child communicate, rather than annoying people, may help you understand the child's point of view.
2. 2 Teach your child the "I don't know" scenario. A child with autism needs to be taught the phrase “I don’t know” so that he can answer a question to which he does not know the answer. There is evidence to suggest that teaching a child to answer “I don’t know” to a question to which he doesn’t know the answer will also teach him how to use the phrase appropriately.
   • Try asking your child a few questions that you know they don’t know the answer to. For example, ask him: "Where are your friends?", And then immediately say: "I don't know." Then ask, "Name the capital of India," and again answer, "I don't know." You can write down the questions in advance and repeat this scenario with your child each time.
   • There is another way to teach a child the "I don't know" scenario. This will require two people. One will ask questions and the other will answer unknown questions with the phrase "I don't know."
3. 3 Give your child the correct answer. Children use echolalia when they don't know how to answer or can't find the right words. With a script, they will know what to say.
   • For example, ask, "What's your name?" and give the correct answer (child's name). Repeat this until the child learns the correct script. Repeat this for all questions with the same answer. "What color is our house?" and say "brown". "What is the name of our dog" - "Rex". It is very important that you answer the question every time, thereby teaching the child the right scenario until he can handle it himself.
   • This approach will only work with questions that have the same answer. For example, the question "What color is your T-shirt" will not work because the child wears a different color T-shirt every day.
4. 4 Teach your child many other scenarios. Thus, the child will be able to successfully answer the simplest questions, even if he feels an influx of emotions.
   • This gradual process will help your child develop confidence, vocabulary, and communication skills.
5. 5 Teach your child scenarios to address needs. If a child with autism is unable to speak up about their needs, it can be very upset and upset. Scripting will help him say what he wants, allowing you to quickly solve the problem before he runs out of patience and starts screaming and crying. Examples of scenarios include:
   • I want to be quiet.
   • I am hungry.
   • Too loud.
   • Please stop.

Method 2 of 3: Modeling Method

1. 1 Use exactly the words that you want to hear from the child. Modeling should include the use of certain words and phrases that the child can understand, remember and pronounce. This will help him formulate what he wants to say.
   • Example: You know for sure that your child does not like to play with a certain toy, but to teach him to express it in words, you can offer him the toy and say "thank you, but no" or "I do not want to".
   • When the child uses the correct phrase, take care of the result. For example, if the child says: "Please, I want more" - give him more.
   • If you repeat the phrase several times, and the child does not react in any way, take the desired action.The child will begin to associate the phrase with this action. Try again later. Over time, the child will begin to use this phrase.
2. 2 Leave a space in the sentence and indicate the answer. If you are going to give your child a snack or it is time for him to drink milk, say, "I want to drink ____ (point to milk and say milk)." Or say, "I want to ____ (point to food and say eat)." Over time, the child will begin to fill in the gaps on their own.
3. 3 Instead of interrogative sentences, you need to use affirmative sentences. Try to avoid questions like "Do you want this?" or "Do you need help?" as the child will only repeat the question. Instead, say what the child would say.
   • For example, if you see that a child is trying to reach for something, you do not need to ask him: "Do you want me to help?" Better say: "Please help me to reach for my toy" or "Please lift me so that I can reach for the book." Make him repeat the phrase. Then, whether he repeats it or not, help him.
4. 4 Try not to end the phrase with your child's name. The child will then start repeating his name and it will not make any sense. When saying hello or good night, say these words and phrases without ending with your child's name. You can also start a sentence with a name and then say what you were going to say.
   • If a child needs to be praised for a job well done, do not say his name, but only a congratulatory word. Instead of saying, "Well done, Sasha," say, "Well done," or express it with a kiss, pat on the head, or hugs.
5. 5 Make your learning fun and easy. Choose a time when both of you are relaxed and can make learning fun or turn it into a game. This way, your child will look forward to the lessons, and you will have the opportunity to socialize and have fun.
   • Education should not burden and should not involve a war of interests. If any of you are getting very nervous, stop and try again later.

Method 3 of 3: Communication Purpose of Echolalia

1. 1 Learn about the purpose of echolalia in autism. Echolalia, as a form of communication, has many uses. Children with autism can use it ...
   • When they do not understand the meaning of individual words, goals or questions. In this case, children rely on the phrases they hear to communicate. For example, instead of saying "Can I have a cookie?" Say, "Would you like a cookie?" This is due to the fact that when the adult says the second phrase, the cookie appears.
   • When they are alarmed. Echolalia is much simpler than spontaneous speech, making it easier to use during times of stress. For example, if a person with autism is put in a room full of people, it will be difficult for him to perceive all the sounds and movements that arise around him, because of this it will be too difficult for him to form complete sentences.
   • When they feel the same way they felt the last time a sentence was said. Echolalia can be used to express feelings. For example, a child might say, "The pool is closed today." By doing this, he may express disappointment, because the last time the pool was closed, he was disappointed.
   • When they need time to think. For example, when someone with autism is asked what they want for dinner, they may ask themselves, "What do I want for dinner?" This suggests that he heard you and he needs time to think.
   • When they try to communicate. Echolalia can be used for play or jokes.
2. 2 Be aware that delayed echolalia can be used outside of social interaction. It can help people with autism in several ways:
   • For memorization. Children with autism sometimes find it difficult to remember the sequence of things. They may begin to repeat the sequence to themselves as they work to help themselves remember and reassure themselves that they are doing it right. Example: "Take a glass. Slowly pour the juice. Not too fast. Screw the cap back. Well done."
   • To calm down.Repetition of a reassuring phrase can help children with autism control their emotions and relax.
   • For stereotypy. Speech stereotyping helps to cope with a number of things: concentration, self-control and mood improvement. If your child is disturbing others, you can ask him to be quieter. But it’s better to let him have fun.
3. 3 Notice when your child is using echolalia. This will help to identify the cause.
   • A child using echolalia before an emotional breakdown is likely to use it because of severe stress or sensory overload.
   • A child who repeats your question (“Do you want a cookie?” To express a desire to eat a cookie) may not understand its meaning or purpose.
   • A child chanting a phrase to himself is probably using echolalia for concentration or for his own pleasure.
4. 4 Deal with your frustration. There are times when it is annoying to hear how the endings of your own sentences and questions are repeated. Remember that this is how the child is trying to communicate. He just doesn't have the same communication skills that you do.
   • Take a deep breath. If your child’s words begin to annoy you, go to another room for a short while to take a deep breath and collect your thoughts.
   • Keep in mind that the child is most likely upset too. They do not have nervous breakdowns because they like it.
   • Take care of yourself. Raising a child can be exhausting at times, and there is nothing wrong with admitting it. Take a bath, do yoga, hang out with other adults, and consider joining a community parent or caregiver group that works with disabled or autistic children.
5. 5 Be patient and don't rush your child. If children with autism are not forced to respond immediately, they will feel more relaxed and better use their communication skills. Be patient and make it clear that you are happy to hear what they have to say, no matter how long it takes them.
   • Allow pauses in conversations to allow your child to think. It can take a lot of cognitive energy to form a clear response in a child.

Tips

• To better understand echolalia, read the tapes of autistic adults who use (or have used) echolalia.
• Ask an autism specialist for help and support.
• If your child's communication skills are severely limited, learn more about alternative and reinforcing communication methods to close the gap. If your child is having a hard time speaking, picture exchange communication systems, sign language and correspondence can be a starting point for improving their communication skills.

Warnings

• Helping a child is a good thing, but you shouldn't overstrain him. Children, especially those with autism, need time to rest.
• Be careful when contacting different organizations. Some organizations see devilry in autism and try to eradicate it. This attitude will not help your child in any way.