What does echolalia typically involve in younger children?

Echolalia in younger children typically involves the repetition of phrases or sentences that they have heard from others, often immediately after hearing them. This can occur in both immediate and delayed forms. Immediate echolalia is when a child repeats language right away after hearing it, while delayed echolalia is when they recall and repeat phrases at a later time. This behavior is a natural part of language development for many children as they learn to communicate, and it can be particularly prominent in children who are developing language skills or who have speech delays. Echolalia may serve various functions, such as communication, self-regulation, or processing information, and can play a role in social interactions and learning.