Echolalia Case Study

Based on the Scaled for Assessing Emotional Disturbance-Second Edition Rating Scale (Non-ED Norms) (SAED-2) Bellamy was rated indicative of ED in the ED Characteristic Subscale Inability to Learn (IL)-Standard Score 14. Bellamy has worked hard to remain on task and to channel his behavior when he becomes frustrated. It has been observed, by numerous teachers, that when Bellamy becomes frustrated he will refuse to move, speak, and/or only responds with echolalia. Echolalia is the term used to describe an individual that continuously repeats something he/she has heard before. Bellamy often repeats phrases from films and/or directly repeats portions from the presented question. These behaviors appear to occur mainly during reading instruction,
refusal to move, speak, and/or only responding with echolalia). Bellamy only completes his reading assignments 7% of the time, math 25% of the time, and social studies 27% of the time based on weekly assignments (e.g. journals, chapter readings, etc.). Harper Lee, the special education teacher (ED, SLD, ID), observed that Bellamy prefers to sit in the back of the classroom. This is not the optimal seating placement to increase Bellamy’s learning; however, when moved to the front of the classroom, Bellamy is 10% more likely to perform undesired behaviors that distract his peers (these behaviors do not occur when Bellamy is in the back of the classroom). Bellamy lacks interest, motivation, positive attitude toward school tasks, often just staring at homework and/or drawing during work time offered during class time and study halls. Based on the recent Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) measurement, completed by Jane Austin, Sarah and Sam Blake, and Bellamy Blake, Bellamy’s academic engagement levels are below average, when compared to his same age, typically-developing,