Echolalia: issues and clinical applications

J Speech Hear Disord. 1979 Nov;44(4):411-34. doi: 10.1044/jshd.4404.411.

Abstract

Echolalic behaviors have been reported within the context of various pathologies but have remained poorly defined. Consequently, it is not easy to determine whether and to what extent normal repetition can be separated from pathological echoing. Hence, it is unclear whether the occurrence of echolalic behavior may be useful for differential diagnostic purposes. Also, much room is left for controversies about the clinical management of echolalic behavior. This article reviews the various conditions associated with echolalia and the role of repetitions in normal language behavior. Suggestions are made in terms of the various dimensions along which echolalic behavior should be assessed, as well as of the desirability of particular intervention techniques.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aphasia / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Brain Diseases / complications
  • Child
  • Confusion / complications
  • Dementia / complications
  • Echolalia* / complications
  • Echolalia* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications
  • Language Development
  • Mesencephalon
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Tourette Syndrome / complications