Research & Projects
Research & Projects
Many autistic people use language in creative ways, like repeating favorite lines from shows or songs, reusing phrases that feel right, or mixing pieces of familiar language into conversation. These ways of communicating are sometimes called echolalia or scripting. Too often, people think of this kind of speech as meaningless or something to “fix.” But for many, it’s a natural and expressive way to communicate. It can show emotion, help with connection, and carry important memories.
This study focuses on those experiences. I’m interested in hearing from autistic adults who use or have used echoed or repeated language as part of how they communicate. The goal is to help people better understand these forms of communication; not as problems to solve, but as meaningful, valid, and worth celebrating.
Research about autism has often been written about autistic people, not with us. This project takes a different approach: centering lived experiences and acknowledging that language, identity, and meaning are deeply intertwined. By sharing lived experiences, the autistic people I work with will be contributing to a more accurate, affirming understanding of autistic communication, and helping shape future research, teaching, and practice.