Which characteristic is commonly associated with speech disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Echolalia, which refers to the repetition of phrases or sentences, is a characteristic commonly associated with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This phenomenon can manifest in two main forms: immediate echolalia, where a person repeats phrases shortly after hearing them, and delayed echolalia, where phrases are repeated after a significant delay or in different contexts.

Echolalia serves various purposes in communication for those with ASD. For some, it can be a way to communicate needs or feelings, especially when spontaneous speech is challenging. For others, it may reflect an understanding of language that is more about preservation of learned phrases rather than genuine conversational use. This behavior can also highlight the differences in how individuals with ASD may process and utilize language, often relying on learned scripts or expressions they have previously encountered.

The other options listed do not encompass the unique communication patterns that are often observed in individuals with ASD in the same way that echolalia does. While some individuals with ASD may experience stuttering or articulation difficulties, these are not defining characteristics of the disorder itself and can occur in the general population. On the other hand, excessive verbal fluency, while it may describe certain verbal behaviors, does not accurately capture the nuanced communication challenges that many individuals with ASD