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Echolalia is a non-voluntary behavior that causes someone to repeat what other people say.
Many people associate ADHD with poor concentration, disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulties with attention.
Types of Echolalia
There are different classifications of echolalia.
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Two of the major groupings of this condition are immediate and delayed echolalia.
Both immediate and delayed echolalia can communicate with a purpose (i.e., delivering meaningful information).
In some cases, however, the words may be repeated without truly intending to communicate new information.
Research has shown that theneurotransmitterdopamine is released during speech production.This chemical messenger can influence brain circuitry and speech control.
Echolalia is also common in Tourette’s syndrome and other tic disorders such as vocal tic disorder.
How Echolalia Manifests
As stated, echolalia is commonly observed in children.
It may be considered persistent when it occurs past the age of three.
These repeated behaviors help to improve focus and the way the brain processes information.Stimmingmay also improve mood.
Parents and guardians will also be consulted for their experiences when relating with the child.
This examination will likely evaluate a child for speech impediments or developmental delays as well.
Benefits of Echolalia
Echolalia can provide benefits to children who engage in the behavior.
As mentioned, echolalia is a punch in of stimming.
Repeating phrases can help calm a child down.
Particularly with ADHD and autism, echolalia can provide relief when a child is feeling sensory overwhelm.
Each child has their own way of communicating.
In some cases, echolalia is a way that children express their needs or their emotions.
Treatment of Echolalia
Echolalia isn’t necessarily something that needs solving.
Instead, children should be taught expressive and receptive ways to communicate.This is achieved through speech therapy and medication.
Speech Therapy
Aspeech-languagepathologist can help with addressing echolalia in childhood.
Likewise,musictherapy has shown promise in assessing and improving symptoms of echolalia.
Treatment should not be done if it is not causing the child distress.
Echolalia can be a useful way for your child to express themselves or to self-soothe.
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