IS YOUR CHILD REPEATING THE SAME WORD OVER AND OVER? ECHOLALIA IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Imagine this, you’re making breakfast and say, “Do you want rice?”

Your child replies, "Want rice… want rice… want rice,” repeating the words with the same tone you used. A few minutes later, they’re still saying it.

As a parent, you may have noticed your child echoing words or phrases again and again, sometimes even snippets from cartoons or a favourite song. Especially if your child has speech delays or autism, this repetition can feel puzzling and even worrying to you as a parent.

Repetition of words isn’t always a sign of something “wrong”. Sometimes echolalia can be a normal part of language development in toddlers, but it is a salient speech disturbance characteristically described in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately 75% of children with ASD exhibit echolalia. Hence, if you have suspicions that your child might be exhibiting echolalia and other behaviour that is also seen in children on the autism spectrum, it is important that you have an evaluation done with your medical professional.

WHAT IS ECHOLALIA?

Echolalia comes from two Greek words: "echo", meaning "to repeat," and "lalia", meaning "speech". So, echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases your child has heard from another individual. For instance, if you say, “It’s time to go,” they may immediately respond, “Time to go!” Or they might repeat a line from a TV show long after they heard it.

Children typically go through a phase of imitating and repeating sounds or words as they learn to talk; this is normal echolalia in early development. However, when echolalia persists beyond age 3 or becomes the main way your child communicates, it may point to underlying communication differences often seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language processing delays, or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

TYPES OF ECHOLALIA

Echolalia might sound like simple word or sound repetition, but there is more to its classification. Hence, it can be classified into various types.

A.    Based on the delay in response, echolalia can be

1. Immediate Echolalia: The child repeats the word or phrase right after hearing it. For example, you say, "Do you want sweet?” and your child responds, “Want sweet?” right after you said it.

   
   

2. Delayed Echolalia: Your child repeats something he/she heard hours, days, or even weeks ago. For example, your child might be repeating a cartoon character’s line during bedtime.

   
   

B.     Based on functional purpose, echolalia can be:

1. Functional/Interactive Echolalia: The repetition serves a purpose, like taking turns in conversation, asking for something or showing understanding. For example, a child saying “Time to go!” as he/she puts on his/her shoes.

   
   

2. Non-Functional Echolalia: The repetition doesn’t seem tied to the current situation or need. This repetition is often for self-stimulation and could involve reciting jingles, random words or phrases heard earlier when they're alone, that are not necessarily related to the present situation. For example, your child might be whispering overheard sentences to him/herself while playing.

   
   

WHY DOES ECHOLALIA HAPPEN?

1. It’s a normal stage of language learning

Young children of ages 1-3 years naturally mimic the speech they hear as part of learning new words, much like singing along to a song before understanding all the lyrics.

2. It serves as a communication tool

For children with autism or speech delays, repeating words may be their way of joining a conversation, drawing your attention, protesting or expressing feelings when they can't find their own words yet. For example, your child might say “Can we go downstairs?” to ask for an outing, as she’s heard others asking this way before. While your child can repeat a phrase with a questioning tone and strong inflexion to show disagreement, like “You DON’T want me to eat?”.

3. It helps in sensory and emotional regulation

Some children repeat words to self-soothe, especially during stress, excitement or overwhelming emotions. The rhythm of familiar phrases can give a sense of comfort, predictability, and calm comfort for your child.

4. It helps to understand and process language

Repetition sometimes helps a child “hold onto” what they’ve heard while figuring out what it means. Most children learn language by first grasping individual words and then forming sentences afterwards. While children on the autism spectrum often take a different approach, like acquiring longer phrases or whole sentences as "chunks" before mastering individual words. These chunks are mostly beyond their current ability to truly comprehend and might also be grammatically complex, resulting in repetition called echolalia. Your child might be trying to figure out what the words/phrases mean.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Repetition alone isn’t always a concern. However, you might consider consulting a speech-language pathologist, paediatrician or developmental therapist if:

• Your child is older than 3 and still relies heavily on repeating others rather than using their own words.

• They show limited interest in back-and-forth conversations.

• They often echo unrelated phrases during social interactions.

• There are other developmental concerns, such as limited eye contact or challenges with play.

  
  

At Nuture Child Development Clinic, we often see echolalia as an entry point into understanding a child’s communication style, not just as a “symptom” to stop. Contact us.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP AT HOME

1. Understand why and respond to the message, not just the words

First, understand the function of your child's echolalia and what she/he is trying to communicate. Observe what your child’s doing: what catches their eye, what objects they interact with, and their emotions at that point. This context unveils the “why” behind the echolalia. If your child echoes, “Want biscuit… want biscuit,” focus on what they might be trying to say, like wanting breakfast, rather than eliminating their repetition. Think of yourself as their interpreter, helping them bridge the gap between echoes and clear communication.

2. Expand their words

Working with a therapist can build vocabulary, sentence structure, and social communication skills, reducing reliance on echolalia. Expand and build on what your child says. If she/he repeats "Want juice", you can model, "I want juice, please”, offering a richer sentence. Use “I” and “me” just like you’d speak from their perspective. It might feel odd, but it provides the building blocks they need to express themselves next time.

3. Use simple, clear language

Provide short sentences to make it easier for your child to understand and eventually use original speech.

4. Provide visual cues

Pair your words with pictures, gestures, or objects. This helps children link language to meaning easily.

5. Be patient with silence

Give your child extra time to respond instead of rushing in to speak for them. Patience shows you value their message and encourages independent expression.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ECHOLALIA

• Echolalia means my child isn’t smart.

This is not true. Many children with echolalia understand more than they can express.

• We should stop them from repeating words.

Not necessarily. The goal is to shape echolalia into functional communication, not to eliminate it completely.

• They’ll never talk like neurotypicals.

Yes, they can. With early intervention, many children progress from repeating words to using spontaneous, meaningful speech.

CONCLUSION

Hearing your child repeat words over and over can feel frustrating or confusing, but it’s often a step on their language journey. Instead of seeing it as a barrier, think of echolalia as a bridge that can lead to more effective communication with the right guidance.

Every child’s path is different. With patience, tailored strategies, and professional support, echolalia can open doors to understanding rather than closing them.

At Nuture CDC, we offer behavioural support, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy; a holistic approach that focuses on transforming echolalia into meaningful communication. Therapists use play-based strategies like role-playing during tea parties or storytelling with pictures to encourage children to form their own words and sentences.

We also guide parents with home-based strategies, because the most progress happens when children feel supported in everyday routines. Click here to contact us.

REFERENCES

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (2021). Echolalia in children with autism spectrum disorder. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/

Better Speech. (n.d.). Echolalia & child (autism spectrum disorder). Retrieved from https://www.betterspeech.com/post/echolalia-child-autism-spectrum-disorder

Lowry, L. (2018, October 29). 3 things you should know about echolalia. Hanen. https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/3-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Echolalia.aspx hanen.org

Sounderic. (2023, March 9). Echolalia: Types, causes & treatment in kids & adults. https://www.sounderic.com/post/echolalia Sounderic

Patra, K. P., & De Jesus, O. (2023, August 23). Echolalia. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565908/ NCBI