Echolia is the repetition of certain words or phrases spoken by a person, either immediately after the word is spoken, or later. This condition is often likened to parrot mimicry. For example, when asked, “Would you like some juice?” the child with echolalia answered "Want to drink juice?" Echolia, to a certain degree, is considered a part of language learning in young children. However, children with autism will be very dependent on echolalia and can continue to be used into adolescence and adulthood.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Teaching Scripts
Step 1. Know the purpose of the script
Children with autism can rely on scripts to facilitate communication. Many autistic children repeat words and phrases (echolia) as a way of saying "I heard what you said and was thinking about the answer."
remain calm and patient when interacting with children. If you consider the fact that echolalia is a means of communication for children, and not meant to irritate others, you will be able to see the child's point of view better
Step 2. Teach the “I don't know” script
Encourage the autistic child to say "I don't know" to answer questions he doesn't know the answer to. There is evidence that children will find it easier to learn and use new phrases well if they are taught the “I don't know” script to answer questions they don't know the answer to.
- Try asking a series of questions that you know your autistic child doesn't know the answers to. For example, ask “Where are your friends?” and ask for an answer by saying "I don't know." Then, "What is the name of the capital of Indonesia?" followed by, "I don't know." You can prepare as many questions as you want and practice this script each time.
- One alternative way to teach the “I don't know” script is with the help of another person who answers the question with “I don't know.”
Step 3. Ask the child to respond correctly
Children may use echolalia when they don't know how to respond, or express thoughts in words. Provide a script to help them give the correct response.
- For example, ask “What is your name?” and ask for the correct response (child's name). Repeat until the child learns the correct script. Try doing it with all the questions that have the same answer. "What color is our house?" followed by “White” and, “What is our dog's name?” followed by “Spot.” You have to answer each time to teach the script until the child begins to do it himself.
- This method is only effective for questions with the same answer. For example, the question "What color is your shirt?" will not work because the color of the child's clothes change every day.
Step 4. Teach children multiple scripts
In this way, children can communicate basic things correctly, even when feeling stressed.
This gradual process can be a tool to build confidence, vocabulary, communication, and correct interactions for children
Step 5. Teach needs-focused scripts
If they can't express their needs, autistic children can become frustrated or depressed, and then hysterical. The script will help them express their needs so you can work things out before your child reaches the limit of their patience and starts screaming or crying. Some sample scripts include:
- "I need some alone time."
- "I am hungry."
- "It's too loud."
- "Please stop."
Method 2 of 3: Using Modeling Techniques
Step 1. Use the exact words you want the child to use. Modeling should use the exact words and phrases that the child wants to understand, learn, and rephrase
This will help your child learn how to say the things he wants to say.
- For example: you already know that your child doesn't like playing with certain toys, but to express it verbally, you can offer a toy and then continue using words or phrases, such as "no thanks," or "I don't want to."
- When the child uses the desired phrase, give the appropriate response. For example, if a child is successful in saying "I want more," refill the plate.
- If you repeat a phrase several times and your child doesn't respond, take the desired action. The child will begin to associate phrases with actions. Then, try again. Over time, the child will begin to use the phrases being taught.
Step 2. Leave a blank pause in the sentence and a period to answer
If you mean to give a snack or it's time for your child to drink milk, you can set an example by saying “I want to drink _” (point to milk and say “milk”). Or say, “I want _” (point to a snack and say “snack”). Over time, the child will fill in the blanks on their own.
Step 3. Say statements to children instead of questions
It's best to avoid questions like "Do you want this?" or “Do you need help?” because they will repeat the question. Better to say what the child needs to say.
For example: if you see your child trying to reach something, instead of asking "Do you need help?" try saying, “Please help me pick up the toy,” or “Please pick me up so I can get my book.” Get them to repeat this phrase. Then, help the child even if your phrase is not repeated
Step 4. Don't say the child's name at the end of the phrase
Your child's intentions are lost when you start repeating your words. When you say "Hi!" or “Good night!” just say so and don't end with the child's name. Or, you can say the name will first and then pause, then end with the phrase you want to convey.
When your child needs to be praised for doing something successfully, say congratulations without the child's name. Don't say "That's great, Andi!" but simply “Very good!” or show it with actions, such as a kiss on the cheek, a pat on the back, or a hug
Step 5. Keep the teaching process interesting and cheerful
Choose a time when you are relaxing, make a funny lesson or play it. This way, your child will be enthusiastic about learning, and you will have the opportunity to bond and have fun.
Teaching should not be painful or coercive. If any of you get too frustrated, stop and try again later
Method 3 of 3: Understand the Purpose of Echolalia Communication
Step 1. Learn the purpose of echolalia in autism
Ekolalia has been widely used as a form of communication. Autistic children can use it…
- If they do not know the meaning of the words one by one or the purpose or use of the questions. In this case, the child relies on the phrases heard to communicate. For example, say "Would you like some cake?" instead of “May I have a cake?” because in the old days when adults first asked the question, the cake was already made.
- If the child is stressed. Echolia is easier than spontaneous speech so it's easier to use when stressed. For example, a child with autism in a crowded room will have difficulty processing all the sounds and movements around them. Therefore, pronouncing full sentences is too difficult for the child.
- If the child feels the same way when a statement is used. Ekolalia can convey feelings. For example, the child can say, “The swimming pool is closed today” to express disappointment because one day when the swimming pool is closed, the child feels disappointed.
- If children need time to think. For example, when asked what they want for dinner, a child with autism can ask "What do I want for dinner?" to yourself. This shows the child is listening to the questions and giving them time to think.
- If the child tries to relate. Ekolalia can be used as a game and a joke.
Step 2. Don't forget that delayed echolalia can be used outside of social interactions
This can help a child with autism in several ways:
- Remembering things. Children with autism can have difficulty tracing a series of steps. They can repeat the sequence themselves as they work, to help remember and reassure themselves that the job was done correctly. For example: “Take a cup. Slowly pour in the juice. Close the juice bottle again. Very good."
- Calm down. Repeating self-soothing phrases can help a child with autism control their emotions and relax.
- Stimming. Stimming may be helpful in several ways: concentration, self-control, and improving mood. If your child is disturbing other people, you can ask him to lower his voice. However, it is usually better for children to be allowed to enjoy their activities.
Step 3. Watch when your child uses echolalia
This will help you understand the purpose.
- Children who use echolalia before being hysterical may have severe distress or sensory overload..
- Children who repeat questions (eg “Would you like cake?” to express a desire to eat cake) may not understand the purpose of the question.
- Children who repeat phrases to themselves in a singing voice may use them to concentrate or to have fun.
Step 4. Deal with your frustration
Sometimes, you may feel irritated that all your words and questions are repeated. Remember, your child is trying to communicate when using echolalia. They just don't have the language skills you have.
- Take a deep breath. If necessary, go to another room for a while if you feel very frustrated and take a deep breath and calm your mind.
- Don't forget, your child may also be frustrated. (Autistic children are certainly not hysterical because they like it).
- Take care of yourself. Parenting can be exhausting at times, and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. Take a bath, do yoga, spend time with other adults, and try joining a group for parents or caregivers of autistic/disabled children.
Step 5. Be patient and give your child time
If children with autism don't feel pressured to respond immediately, they may feel more relaxed and speak better. Be patient and explain that you enjoy hearing what your child has to say, no matter how long it takes to say it.
Pause in conversation so your child has time to think. Children use a lot of cognitive energy to provide a coherent response
Tips
- To understand echolalia better, try reading books from autistic adults who are or have used echolalia.
- Consult with an autism communication specialist for help and support.
- Look for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) to help bridge the distance if your child's communication skills are severely limited. Picture exchange systems, sign language, and typing can be alternative methods to help children communicate, if verbal communication is too difficult.
Warning
- It's good to help children, but don't be too forced. Children, especially people with autism, need a lot of quiet and relaxing time.
- Be careful of the group you want to consult with. Some groups condemn autism and try to eradicate it. This attitude will not help your child.
