#echophrasia

If we’re watching a movie/TV or having a conversation and I repeat a word or phrase right after the person says it in the same tone or accent as they said it - I just want you to know I’m not making fun of them, it’s echolalia/echophrasia. Echolalia/Echophrasia is one of the symptoms of autism (And other neurological/mental disorders). It's where we involuntarily parrot the things we hear. In my case it's usually because the phrase or word amused me or sounds funny to say and I repeat it. Sometimes ages later in the day I will say the word or phrase again because it stuck with me in my head. My brain likes to latch onto certain phrases or words because that's how my brain is designed to learn. Please do not make fun of this or tell me that its annoying/bothers you. I really can't help it and its one of the many traits of autism people try to stamp out of us from a young age. It's not harming anyone, it's not bothersome. It's just one of the many traits that makes me who I am. Telling me you don’t like it doesn’t stop me from doing it it just makes me more uncomfortable to be myself around you. Thank you for reading this.

Does anyone know if the repetitions in echolalia have to be verbal?  I'm autistic and increasingly find myself repeating words in conversations that other people say - Only, in my head, instead of out loud.  I can't stop the repetitions if I try.