Echolalia
Repeating words or phrases heard from others. DSM-documented feature of autism, but function reframed from 'meaningless' to 'communicative.'
AutismSocial CommunicationCognitive Processing
Layer 1: Documented
Clinical Recognition
Documented in DSM-5 under autism criteria ('stereotyped or repetitive speech'). Extensively studied in speech-language pathology and neurology.
Community Validation
Reclaimed by autistic community as functional communication. Neuro-affirming therapy validates echolalia rather than extinguishing it.
Published
17 December 2025 by Team Heumans
Echolalia is the repetition of words, phrases, or sounds heard from others. It can be immediate (repeating what someone just said) or delayed (repeating movie quotes, song lyrics, or phrases heard days/months/years ago).
Traditional clinical models viewed it as "meaningless parroting." The neurodiversity paradigm and Gestalt Language Processing framework recognize it as functional: emotional communication, language processing, self-regulation, or social connection when spontaneous language is unavailable or effortful.