My kids have this too, its called "Echolalia" and its actually not a bad thing. Basically, its how they learn how to talk. First, they'll just be repeating things from shows, but if you pay attention, you'll see that likely, if they're happy - they'll say something Thomas said when he was happy, or if they're scared, they'll say something "Little Einstein's" said when they were scared. Eventually, they'll replace a word or two, so instead of "Dora, would you like to play?" with the same tone and inflection that Boots would use, it will be "Daddy, would you like to play?" or "Dora, would you like to dance?" Using the same inflection but only replacing the one word. This grows over time. One thing with ASDers is that it takes time and practice. Just keep paying attention to the feeling behind what they're saying, and less about the words they're using. This will come with time. Feel free to repeat things back to them how they SHOULD be said, or if you think you understand what they're asking or telling you. Its likely they will tell you if you're right or wrong. PLUS sometimes they just don't know the words to use to get something out, and if you say them, they may say them back to you, because that's what they meant, but didn't know how to say it. I know too, that as my daughter(s) gets older, she uses this less UNLESS she's upset and then she sort of "loses" her words and switches back to echolalia. Its good though because they're actually trying to communicate with you, and that's wonderful!

Sorry, I rambled a bit there but I hope you get my point lol.

For us it was wonderful, because my grandson actually communicated with us through movie lines!! Nobody (ie, the "experts") would believe us, but he watched a lot of Disney movies, and when he couldn't/didn't want to do something, he said,"I'm sorry Miss Porter, but I simply cahnt dew it!" (Line from "Tarzan", perfect British accent!!) One day he got upset with me and said, "I am SO not taking you to dinner!" (Line from "Cars") We loved it, cuz he was communicating!!

My daughter did this, also - and she still does. She is 8 now, and she still barks at me like Blue from Blue's Clues sometimes. But talking is good - I agree that speech therapy is definitely helpful. In her school they do speech groups and help the kids learn to converse with each other and that is very helpful. But the tv is working because it is modeling while entertaining. I took a class for parents of autistic kids and they suggested modeling conversation - so have two adults or neurotypical people with your son, carrying on a conversation, and then start to try integrating him into the conversation - ask him questions, etc. At first, you may have to model or prompt him by showing him the appropriate way to respond. "When someone asks us how we feel today, we should say "Just fine, thank you - how do you feel?" and so on. And when you are at the grocery store or anywhere else and someone speaks to you or your child, explain to him, "She said, hello, now we say, hello!" And be animated, enthusiastic. The TV is a GREAT modeling tool, it is colorful and exciting and it engages them. Some tv shows that have more social messages or conversation can be very helpful. Hannah learned a lot of good manners from Ni Hao Kai Lan, Sesame Street, and Dora, and she learned musical stuff from Little Einsteins that she still remembers to this day! If TV is his thing, as it is my daughters, try making a video, too. You and another adult or child having animated, socially appropriate conversations - and let him watch it. In fact a lot of therapists encourage making modeling videos for just about anything from throwing and catching a ball to brushing teeth, etc.

My son is 4 1/2 and started receiting tv lines at the age of 3 - thanks to Caillou! It actually took me awhile to catch on as the things he was repeating/receiting fit the situation or conversation perfectly ... so I think it actually helps them to understand when they see things on tv in a "play" situation. Receiting is so common with kiddos on the spectrum!

My son doesn't only do this with cartoons (yes, Thomas the Train, Ni Hao Kai Lan, Toot & Noodle, and Little Einsteins are smne of his favorites!) but also with commercials.

I have actually used this to MY advantage! When I am trying to teach my son a social leasson and feel he isn't quite "getting" it... I will explain "just like on Caillou .. or "just like what happened on Thomas the Train" It's helped him to understand and engages him furthur with our conversation.

Just like DeanaBauerle said above, I prompt my son often not only what to say when something is happening, but I also quiz him ahead of time ... "what do we say to the kids when we walk into preschool today?" .. "what do we say to kids if we want them to play with us at the park today?.." .. I often even make a game out of it ... "when someone sneezes do we say ... HEY, STOP THAT! (he will giggle - - "nooo, silly mommy!") Do we say "Bless you - (excitedly) "Yesss!" This has not only helped to prepare/teach him in social situations but he finds it a fun game that I am quizzing him rather than just trying to educate him.

The receiting and mimicking DOES get better and tapers off a bit with time!

Hang in there! : )

My son is almost 4. He's in that "repeating" stage as well. It's what 12 month olds do when they learn to talk. Keep working with him. If he does get a "thought" verbally out, PRAISE him all over the place. This will help reinforce it. It's a developmental phase hopefully one he will get through. My son's doing a lot better finding his own words thanks to his ABA therapy. I'm hoping the repeating phase stage gets "out developed" as well. Wishing you all the best!!!