Pronoun reversal
Encyclopedia
Pronoun reversal is a language abnormality common in the speech of autistic children. Children refer to themselves as "he," "she," or "you," or by their own proper names. Pronoun
reversal is closely linked to echolalia
. Since autistic children often use echolalic speech, they refer to themselves as they have heard others speak of them and misapply pronouns.
For example:
If speech continues to develop more normally, this pronoun reversal might be expected to disappear. In many instances, however, it is highly resistant to change. Some children have required very extensive training even after they have stopped repeating the phrases of other people.
Pronoun
In linguistics and grammar, a pronoun is a pro-form that substitutes for a noun , such as, in English, the words it and he...
reversal is closely linked to echolalia
Echolalia
Echolalia is the automatic repetition of vocalizations made by another person. It is closely related to echopraxia, the automatic repetition of movements made by another person....
. Since autistic children often use echolalic speech, they refer to themselves as they have heard others speak of them and misapply pronouns.
For example:
- Parent: What are you doing, Johnny?
- Child: You're here.
- Parent: Are you having a good time?
- Child: You sure are.
If speech continues to develop more normally, this pronoun reversal might be expected to disappear. In many instances, however, it is highly resistant to change. Some children have required very extensive training even after they have stopped repeating the phrases of other people.