Children who repeat back words or phrases shared by others are using ‘echolalia’. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding echolalia and its importance to language development.
When we talk language development, most people think of analytic language learners. Analytic language learners start by saying single words and then slowly expand on this language until they are telling entire stories! On the other hand, we have gestalt language learners. These learners start by learning larger ‘chunks’ of language (“gestalts”). Over time, these ‘chunks’ are broken down and re-combined.
Join us in exploring the importance of echolalia, how to best model language for gestalt language learners, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) considerations for all neurodivergent individuals (including gestalt language learners).