Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

How is "Echolalia" characterized according to the DSM-5?

1. A rapid, incoherent flow of speech

2. A repetition of words or phrases spoken by others

3. A behavior involving imitating movements of others

4. A speech condition demonstrating emotional dissonance

The correct answer is: A repetition of words or phrases spoken by others

Echolalia is characterized as a condition where an individual repeats words or phrases that have been spoken by others. This phenomenon can be seen in several different contexts, often associated with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and can also occur in other conditions, such as schizophrenia. It serves multiple purposes, including communication attempts or a way to process and reflect information that has been heard. The recognition of echolalia as a distinct behavior allows clinicians and caregivers to better understand an individual’s communication style and needs. By identifying it as a repetitive behavior rather than as random speech, practitioners can tailor interventions and support strategies that cater to the individual’s communication preferences and developmental goals. Each of the other options describes different phenomena that do not accurately capture the essence of echolalia. For instance, while the first option refers to incoherent speech, this does not align with the defined behavior of echolalia, which involves specific word or phrase repetition. Imitating movements corresponds to a different category of behavior entirely, and emotional dissonance in speech reflects another aspect of communication that is not applicable here.