Examining the Echolalia Literature: Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Stand?

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Abstract
Purpose: Echolalia is a common element in the communication of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recent contributions to the literature reflect significant disagreement regarding how echolalia should be defined, understood, and managed. The purpose here is to give speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and others a comprehensive view of the available perspectives on echolalia. Method: Published literature from the disciplines of behavioral intervention, linguistics and speech-language intervention is discussed. Special areas of focus include operational definitions, rationales associated with various approaches, specific procedures used to treat or study echolalic behavior, and reported conclusions. Conclusions: Dissimilarities in the definition and understanding of echolalia have led to vastly different approaches to management. Evidence-based practice protocols are available to guide SLP interventionists in their work with individuals with ASD.

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