Final answer:
Echolalia refers to the involuntary repetition of words, phrases, or sentences. It is often observed in individuals with neurological or developmental disorders. Echolalia can serve different purposes for individuals with communication difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Echolalia refers to the involuntary repetition of words, phrases, or sentences. It is often observed in individuals with neurological or developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. Echolalia can be divided into two types: immediate echolalia, where the person repeats what was just said to them, and delayed echolalia, where the person repeats previously heard words or phrases.
Echolalia can serve different purposes for individuals with communication difficulties. It may be a way for them to process or make sense of language, a form of self-stimulation, or an attempt at social interaction. It is essential to understand that echolalia is a symptom rather than a diagnosis itself.