First of all, what are echolalia and jargon?!
These terms are often thrown around when talking about early development, but not always clearly explained.
Echolalia ("echo-lehl-ee-yuh"): repeating others' words and phrases with the same intonation and inflection. Echolalia can be immediate, (imitating what you say or ask,) or delayed (this is also sometimes called "scripting," and refers to repeating lines from T.V. shows, videos, or previously heard language repetitively). Here's an example of echolalia.
When echoing, children may be able to produce language that is more complex than what they are able to use functionally. Parents often (understandably,) express confusion about this when asked how their child communicates; "My child can speak in sentences...but it's only ever things he's heard before, and not all the time." For example, children may produce 3-5 word sentences that they've heard before, or sing songs in their entirety, but are unable or have significant difficulty using their own words spontaneously to express their wants and needs in an age appropriate way ("juice" or "I want some juice," to request). This tells us that though these children are able to repeat language they hear, (with an impressive amount of memory and mimicry!) they are not fully understanding the words as individual units that can be combined to communicate with others.
Jargon: strings of vowels and consonants with conversational intonation, without or with minimal production of meaningful words. Sometimes this sounds like, "bhjfblsdkhf mama fhdiskdf!!" :) The recent viral video of that adorable baby having a "conversation," with his father is a great example of jargon (if you haven't already watched it, you're welcome!)
What's "typical"?
Echolalia: Some echolalia is typical starting around 1 year, 6 months of age. Your child is actively absorbing language from their environment; you might hear them repeat your language as they are learning new words or concepts. For example, they may seem really interested in a new snack choice. You say, “These are grapes!” Child says, “Grapes!!” excitedly. Your child is repeating your words because they’re attributing it to this new object of interest. At this stage, your child should still be producing their own, non-echoed language in the majority of cases.
The occasional use of echolalia is usually eliminated by age 3. When a child produces primarily jargon and the majority or entirety of their intelligible language is echoed from others, it can be considered a red flag for developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, (otherwise known as "Autism," or "ASD"). Though echolalia is not the sole diagnostic indicator of ASD, research has found that up to 85% of verbal children with Autism exhibit echolalia in some form. There will be future posts on early warning signs of ASD, but in the mean time, here are videos and explanations of other "Red Flag," behaviors indicating concerns for Autism.
Jargon: Between 1 and 1 year, 6 months old, children produce jargon frequently! They are observing our inflection patterns, and attempting to participate in the conversation. The use of jargon should be eliminated by age 2. By 2 years old, your child should produce more novel (non-echoed,) words than jargon, and speak with about 50% intelligibility.
How do we help?
Echolalia: When a child is repeating your language frequently, avoid asking questions. Your child repeating what you’re asking is a sign that they a) don’t understand what you’re asking and/or b) don’t have the language to give you a response just yet! Repeating the questions repetitively often results in frustration… for the child and the parents! Here are some specific recommendations based on situation and type of echolalia you may be seeing:
*Avoid telling your chid, "Say ____." Your child will, inevitably do exactly what you ask.. and say, "Say, hi!" or "Say, bye bye!" It's best to model language exactly as your child would say it ("Hi, Mom!" "Want more snack.")
*Instead of asking questions, try leading with the answers. Consider: “Truck!” instead of “What is it?” when reading a book, “I’m eating!” instead of “What are you doing?” “I’m sad.” Instead of “Why are you crying?”
*If your child is repeating your language when they are sad or hurt, ("You're okay," while crying, "It's okay, come to Mommy!" when scared,) model language for them that fits the situation ("I fell down," "I hurt my hand," "I'm okay," "I'm scared")
*If your child is scripting language, and using it functionally ("Oh no! What will we do?" when something breaks,) offer a more flexible model ("The car broke. I need help.")
If your child tends to use the same phrase every time when requesting (“I want ____,” or “____, please,”) model different ways they can ask! Try things like “More ___, please!” or “Can I have ___?”
Jargon: The most important thing is to respond to your child's productions! Just as our rock star Dad did in the viral conversation video, responding to your child when they produce jargon is a crucial step in their development; you are teaching them reciprocity and encouraging engagement. If your child is producing jargon and is giving you a clear indication of what they are interested in or are trying to say, say it for them! For example, your child reaching towards bubbles and producing jargon while looking at you. Model, “Bubbles!” or “Want bubbles!” for them before engaging in the bubble activity. Repeat this model and then start to pause to allow your child the opportunity to fill in!
Happy Chatting!
Jackie