Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term is used to describe the repetition of phrases spoken by the nurse by an autistic child?

1. Palilalia

2. Echolalia

3. Cluttering

4. Perseveration

The correct answer is: Echolalia

The term that describes the repetition of phrases spoken by a nurse or other individuals by an autistic child is echolalia. Echolalia is a common language phenomenon in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where they may repeat words or phrases they have heard, often without fully understanding their meaning. This behavior can serve various functions, including communication, social interaction, or even self-regulation. In the context of nursing and working with autistic individuals, recognizing echolalia can help in understanding their communication style, allowing for tailored interactions that support their needs. It’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of this behavior in order to respond appropriately and to facilitate effective communication. The other terms in the list have distinct meanings. Palilalia refers to the involuntary repetition of words or phrases that the speaker has just said, often seen in some neurological disorders, but it is not specific to children with autism. Cluttering is a speech and language disorder characterized by a fast and irregular speaking rate, often resulting in disorganized speech. Perseveration refers to the repetition of a particular response (such as a word, phrase, or action) despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus. While these terms describe repetitive behaviors, they do not specifically refer to