What term is used for the repetition of phrases or sentences heard from others?

The term that describes the repetition of phrases or sentences that are heard from others is echolalia. This phenomenon is often observed in individuals with various developmental and communication disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Echolalia can serve different purposes; for some individuals, it is a way to process language and communicate, while for others, it may reflect a verbal behavior that lacks comprehension of the underlying meaning.

Understanding echolalia is important in the context of language development and may provide insights into an individual's communication style or needs. In recognizing echolalia, educators and practitioners can tailor approaches to help individuals develop more functional and meaningful communication skills.

The other terms present in the options relate to different aspects of language or communication disorders. Aphasia refers to a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate due to brain damage, hyperlexia involves advanced reading skills that exceed normal levels for a child's age, and lexicon refers to the vocabulary of a language or an individual's knowledge of words. These terms do not accurately describe the repetitive nature of echolalia.