10/07/2026
When a child repeats a familiar word, question, song lyric, or phrase, it can be tempting to focus only on the repetition.
But sometimes there’s more happening underneath it.
Echolalia can serve different purposes. A repeated phrase may relate to something your child wants, remembers, is responding to, or is trying to communicate, even when the meaning isn’t immediately obvious.
One helpful place to start is simply observing the pattern: When does the phrase happen? What was happening just before it? What might your child be trying to tell you?
From there, parents can model short, useful language, create opportunities for their child to initiate, and build on words and skills they already have.
Repetition doesn’t always have to be viewed as a barrier. It can also be a starting point for understanding and expanding communication.