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Repeating or reciting lines heard in TV shows, movies, songs, books, etc., is a common language pattern among children with ASD. “Movie talk” refers to repetitive speech taken from such a source, as opposed to a child’s using novel, spontaneous language. Also known as scripting, the behavior involves reciting phrases or “chunks” of previously heard language and is synonymous with delayed echolalia. Some researchers believe “movie talk” is a form of self-stimulation used to tune others out or to work through a stressful or anxiety-producing moment. Others believe it is a means to initiate communication with others, or as a way to talk about an area of special interest.
Behavioral analysis may be an effective way to analyze the function of scripting for some children. By analyzing the antecedents and consequences of scripting for children and adults with ASD, it may be possible to identify functional replacements for...
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References and Readings
Rydell, P., & Prizant, B. (1995). Assessment and intervention strategies for children who use echolalia. In K. Quill (Ed.), Teaching children with autism (p. 110). New York: Delmar.
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© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York
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Lewis, M. (2013). Movie Talk. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_977
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_977
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1697-6
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