A Systematic Review of Interventions for Echolalia in Autistic Children
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
Blackburn, C., Tueres, M., et al. (2023).
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 58(6), 1977-1993.
This systematic review investigates the effects of intervention on echolalia and functional communication for children on the autism spectrum.
No funding received
From January 1, 1980 to March 31, 2023
Peer-reviewed studies
15
<div>Eleven studies investigated behavioral intervention approaches. Four studies investigated the Cues-Pause-Point protocol and all found decreases in echolalia. Four studies investigated tact-training; three reported decreases in echolalia and all four reported increases in tacts and correct, unprompted responses. One study investigated explicit instruction of social interaction with time delay and found decreases in echolalia and increases in target responses. One study using a differential reinforcement technique found decreased echolalia; though, functional communication was not measured. Another study investigating the response interruption and redirection approach found decreases in echolalia, but found no effect on appropriate verbalizations. A study using a total communication approach found decreased echolalia and increased verbalizations and signing. <br><br>Two studies investigated technology-based programs. One using a computer-based program found decreases in delayed echolalia and variable impact on immediate echolalia along with increases in relevant speech and a variable impact on communication initiation. One study of a video self-modelling intervention showed decreased echolalia for one of two participants.<br><br>"Due to the predominantly low quality of available interventions, and the limited outcomes, recommendations for intervention that aims to reduce echolalia cannot be drawn. To intervene for echolalia in any form without understanding the function it may serve for each individual or emphasizing an increase in functional communication is contrary to principles of neurodiversity-affirming care and current understanding and priorities for autism management." (p. 1990)</div>
