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Joe90
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20 Jan 2022, 8:40 pm

One of my nieces is about 18 months and my aunt said that she copies words the adults around her say, like if someone says "I need a drink" she will repeat "I need a drink" even if she's not thirsty. Does this mean she is going to be autistic, or is it just part of child development that she'll grow out of?
Both her parents, grandparents and aunts are all 'typical' neurotypicals.


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Juliette
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20 Jan 2022, 8:49 pm

Hey Joe - All children experience echolalia when they learn spoken language. Most develop independent thought as they age, but some continue to repeat what they hear. Children with communication disabilities hold on to echoed expressions much longer.