ABSTRACT

Backgrounds and Aims: The definition of Echolalia continues to be a challenge. Echolalia is prevalent in Autism and research into it has historically been either from the standpoint of behaviourism or developmentalism. This study aims to explore parental definitions of Echolalia as well as to ascertain if existing definitions are in line with parental definitions. It further aims to look at how the results can be utilized to form a collaborative approach between the experiences of parents and clinical perspectives. This study includes the voices of parents , an aspect that has been lacking in literature on Echolalia.

Methods: The definitions of 133 parents were documented using a Grounded Theory Approach.

Results: Parents reported an abundance of vital elements that are paramount to their comprehension of Echolalia.

Conclusions & Implications: Parents insights into Echolalia differed from that of clinicians. Furthermore some parents aligned with a developmental or behavioural position whilst at times there was on overlap between the two positions, depending on the context of the Echolalia. Additionally it was found that some parent’s  interpretations are not aligned with either clinical position.

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