Table 2.

Considerations for understanding echolalia.

Considerations	Elaborations
The Echolalic expects a response	Whilst on the surface echolalia may appear to be one-directional, frequent eye gaze checks and body positioning shifts have been reported immediately following echoes. Classroom educators should therefore come to appreciate that the Echolalic expects, and often prepares themselves, for a response.
Echolalia is often contextual	Classroom educators should take note of things happening, and people in, the environment when echolalia occurs—as it is likely that these elements will present themselves in the echoed utterances. Such elements, for example the classroom or sensory room, will likely provide key clues to aid the educator when preparing their response.
Echolalia occurs with a communicative context	High-constraint language, such as commands, and questions requiring specific answers, may contribute to an increase in immediate echolalia. A more open-ended questioning style, which generally provides for a less restrictive answer, may assist the Echolalic and classroom educators to reduce the frequency of immediate echolalia. Educators can also break down lengthy instructions or comments into more short and sharp segments, which may decrease immediate echolalia.