These difficulties have an impact upon both the receptive and expressive functions of communication. Problems with communication result from difficulties in processing auditory sensory information , understanding social interactions , and cognitive inflexibility . Many individuals with autism have difficulties remembering sounds and associating words. As a result many individuals with autism have a very limited vocabulary and have problems with using language in various social situations. Echolalia is another common problem in communication for many individuals with autism.
Delayed echolalia refers to utterances repeated at a significantly later time.