Identifying Echolalia and Palilalia Speech Patterns in Children with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism

Echolalia and palilalia are two disordered speech patterns that are common in children with autism and Asperger's syndrome. These verbal symptoms can sometimes contribute to early diagnosis of these disorders. Read on for full descriptions of echolalia and palilalia as characteristics of autism.

Definiing Echolalia and Palilalia

Echolalia is a term that is used to describe a child's nonfunctional repetition of certain phrases, such as those heard on television programs or from a parent. For example, when an adult asks, "How are you today?" a child who uses echolalia will respond with, "How are you today?" rather than saying, "I'm fine." The echoing of a phrase or question that the child is asked directly is known as immediate echolalia, a trait that is very common in people with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Delayed echolalia occurs when a child spontaneously repeats a sequence of words that were heard at an earlier time--for example, while watching a movie or TV show--in a manner that is out of context with a typical conversation.

Palilalia is a speech tic that is characterized by a child's instant repetition of words that he or she had used in conversation. Often, the repeated words are said in a whispered or mumbling tone. A child who uses palilalia may say, "I want to go to the store" and then immediately whisper, "go to the store." This disordered speech pattern is included among the common characteristics of autism, and along with echolalia, is often an indication that a child is not acquiring or using verbal communication in a neurotypical fashion.

Echolalia and Palilalia in Children on the Autism Spectrum

Echolalia and palilalia are classified as pragmatic speech disorders, or a developmental deficit in regard to maintaining a two-way conversation or using verbal language in the appropriate context. Children who have Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism often qualify for speech therapy based on these pragmatic disorders, as their general vocabulary skills can be quite extensive. Speech therapists work with these children in an individual or small group setting to strengthen pragmatic language so that the instances of echolalia and palilalia can be reduced over time.

Children who are lower-functioning on the autism spectrum may have little verbal functioning beyond the use of echolalia, but therapists can still encourage communication through sign language or picture boards.