Immediate echolalia and the interactive behaviour of autistic children

Abstract

This research examined whether echolalia and interactive behaviour in autistic children could function within a communicative system. Four autistic children were videotaped individually in interaction with a familiar adult. A categorical system was designed whereby the children's interactive behaviour could be rated. It was found that the immediate echolalia is far more than a meaningless repetition of words. The utterances are relevant, displaying the conveyance of meaningful information and the maintenance of social interaction. Conclusions were drawn on the facilitation of communication through modification and expansion of immediate echolalia.