• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

What Is Autistic Scripting?

Published: June 30, 2022 Updated: March 27, 2023
Published: 06/30/2022 Updated: 03/27/2023
Headshot of Sharon Kaye-O'Connor, LCSW
Written by:

Sharon Kaye-O’Connor

LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Scripting?Definition
  • Who Uses Scripting?Population
  • Why Do Autistic People Use Scripting?Why It's Used
  • Autism Scripting ExamplesExamples
  • Treatment & Support OptionsSupport
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Autism Scripting InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Sharon Kaye-O'Connor, LCSW
Written by:

Sharon Kaye-O’Connor

LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

Scripting is the repetition or reciting of lines from movies, television, books, or words other people have said. Scripting is often used as a form of communication by autistic people, and can also be employed as a stim for enjoyment or help with sensory regulation.1

What Is Scripting?

Scripting can be a form of echolalia, which is the repeating of words or sounds someone has heard, and can be either immediate or delayed. Immediate echolalia is when the word or phrase is repeated right after it is heard, and delayed echolalia is the repetition of the word or phrase at some later point in the future. Scripting is often an example of delayed echolalia.2

Scripting is also called “movie talk” or “TV talk” because it is common to repeat lines from movies or television shows when scripting. Some who utilize scripting can memorize extensive portions of their favorite movies or shows, and easily repeat entire scenes or large paragraphs of dialogue.1 Although scripting is sometimes labeled as dysfunctional, if we view it through the lens of neurodiversity, scripting can be considered a resourceful skill which demonstrates excellent memory and ability to draw from a large mental catalog of memorized phrases.

Who Uses Scripting?

Scripting is common among the autistic population, especially those who are gestalt language processors. Gestalt language processing is a way of learning and building language in large “chunks,” as opposed to single words. Those who are analytic language processors learn one word at a time, and then build their phrases by putting those words together as if they are “building blocks.” Gestalt language processors learn language in phrases or sentences, and then utilize those chunks of language as a unit. Because language is often learned and absorbed in full sentences, gestalt language learners may seem to have grammar that is more sophisticated, or advanced beyond their years.3

Some use of scripts can be found outside of the autistic population, as a way of socializing or communicating. There are social scripts commonly utilized in everyday life, such as “Hi, how are you?” when exchanging greetings. Social scripts can be those automatic phrases that are used to quickly communicate and connect. Autistic people may memorize, adopt, and utilize an extensive variety of social scripts as tools for navigating social interactions.4

Why Do Autistic People Use Scripting?

It is important to recognize that scripting is a valid form of communication and expression, even if it may not be understood at times by the observer. Scripting can serve several purposes for those in the autistic population.

Simplifying Communication

One primary use of scripting is communication. Scripts utilized in conversation can facilitate easier communication by having ready-made sentences or paragraphs available to express one’s thoughts or ideas.5 For many autistic folks, speaking and putting thoughts into words can require a great deal of energy, or at times be incredibly difficult. Using a script and employing phrases or even paragraphs that someone has heard before, whether in a movie, on television, or from another person, can supply a helpful and instant translation of thoughts into words that can be helpful to use to communicate while also conserving energy.

Socializing

People within the autistic community may also use scripting as an effective and enjoyable way of communicating and socializing with each other. For some neurodivergent folks, trading familiar lines from a favorite film or television show can be a preferred way of socializing and spending time together.

Masking

Scripting can also be employed as a form of “masking” one’s autistic traits—attempting to blend in and go unnoticed as different. Masking can be utilized by any autistic person, but can be particularly common among autistic girls and women who may use observation and imitation of others to camouflage autistic traits.4 For this reason, autistic women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals tend to go unidentified, undiagnosed, and mis-diagnosed for longer periods of time, and may not receive a diagnosis until well into adulthood, if at all.

Stimming

Scripting can be used as a stim, short for “self-stimulatory behavior.” Some autistic people find speaking the lines from movies or television to be enjoyable or soothing, whether from the internal sensory experience of speaking the words and phrases, or from hearing the words or phrases spoken aloud. Stimming can be enjoyable, and also a helpful tool for self-regulation, self-soothing, and managing the sensory input of the environment to avoid overwhelm.6 Stimming is an important part of autistic life that is necessary to regulate, focus, and maintain equilibrium..

Autism Scripting Examples

When scripts are utilized by an autistic person, the scripts can either be obvious and easy to recognize, like from a movie, or blended into the conversation in such a way that the listener may not even realize the scripts are there. For some autistic people who utilize scripting, they may not only repeat the words from the movie or television show, but they may also take on the accent, speech patterns, mannerisms, and other characteristics of the character from that show. In essence, the person may momentarily “become” the character while speaking the lines.5  For some folks who utilize scripting, they may be able to “see” or “hear” the original source of the dialogue in their mind’s eye simultaneously while speaking the lines.

When scripts are seamlessly blended into the conversation, they might be in line with what the listener is “expecting” to hear. For example: If someone asks a scripter how they are doing today, and that person borrows the line from Pippi Longstocking “As well as can be expected!”, the script somewhat matches what the listener may be expecting to hear, and may go unnoticed as a script. Alternately, the person may respond with something that may be more obviously recognized as a script, like “We’re sorry – All questions MUST be submitted in writing” (Willy Wonka), which may fall outside of the responses the asker is anticipating, but still may convey a feeling or sentiment that the speaker would like to express.

It is important to remember that the meaning the scripter is intending to convey may be quite different from the literal meaning of the words themselves. An autistic person may also utilize scripting as a stim, simultaneously alongside a conversation, but not intending for the scripts to be part of the conversation itself. When scripting is used as a stim, the person might recite the scripts solely to, and for, themselves. The same script might be repeated several times because it is enjoyable to say or hear, or may be soothing to repeat.

Treatment & Support Options

Autism itself doesn’t necessarily require any treatment at all, but there are common areas where some autistic people may benefit from support.

Speech Therapy

One area where support can sometimes be helpful is speech, language, and communication, and so seeking support from a licensed speech language pathologist (SLP) can be helpful. As scripting is a sign of gestalt language processing, it is helpful to seek an SLP who understands gestalt language processing, and how to best support gestalt language processors in a way that works with, and celebrates, their most natural ways of communication.

Additional Communication Tools

It is also important to remember that communication, not necessarily spoken speech, is the ultimate goal, and so many autistic people also benefit from utilizing additional forms of communication, including sign language, an augmentative and assistive communication device (AAC), picture cards, or typing. These alternative forms of communication can be extremely helpful and necessary for those who may find spoken speech to be tiring or to require more energy than they may have available at a given moment. When supporting an autistic person, it is most helpful to utilize the form of communication most comfortable for them.

Occupational Therapy

Another support that can be instrumental for autistic folks is occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OT) can help facilitate better understanding of any sensory differences or needs that may be present, and then create a sensory diet to help ensure the individual’s sensory needs are met. Occupational therapists can also help with activities of daily living (ADLs), emotional regulation, and fine motor skills.

Therapy as Support for Stress & Other Concerns

Counseling or psychotherapy can also be a helpful resource for autistic individuals who may want support with stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, or any other mental health concerns. Working together with an autistic, neurodivergent, or neurodiversity-affirming therapist can offer a helpful and supportive space to explore any struggles, challenges, concerns, and strengths.

As with any type of therapy, the goal should always be to identify and support the needs of the autistic individual, and not to try and change them to appear more neurotypical. Autistic people have their own way of being, communicating, and relating, and genuine acceptance can be one of the most paramount elements of supporting the overall health and wellbeing of autistic individuals.

Final Thoughts

Scripting is a helpful tool for communication, self-regulation, and enjoyment frequently utilized among the autistic population. As knowledge and understanding of scripting increases, it is becoming more commonly acknowledged as a unique, nuanced, and important part of autistic culture.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Autism Newsletter – Free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by autism or have a loved one on the autism spectrum. Get encouragement, tips, and latest info sent twice per week. Sign Up

Parent Training For Autism – Forta’s parent training program empowers you to help your child learn and develop through personalized therapy. Provide ABA therapy and help your child diagnosed with autism progress to their next milestone. Visit Forta

Virtual Reality Therapy – Imagine a virtual world that is safe for learners, equipping them with skills and tools they can apply in their everyday lives. Floreo teaches social, behavioral, communication, and life skills for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Visit Floreo

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Forta and Floreo.

For Further Reading

  • Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
  • Embrace Autism
  • Neuroclastic
  • Greg Santucci, Occupational Therapist

Autism Scripting Infographics

What Is Scripting Why Do Autistic People Use Scripting Treatment and Support Options

6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Schaber, Amythest. (March 27, 2014). Ask an Autistic #7 – What is scripting?. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtbbmeyh5rk

  • Schaber, Amythest. (August 14, 2014). Ask an Autistic #18 – What is echolalia?. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ome-95iHtB0

  • Robson, Dyan. (n.d.). Analytic vs Gestalt language processors. And Next Comes L. Retrieved from: https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2022/02/analytic-vs-gestalt-language-processors.html

  • Engelbrecht, Natalie. (November 6, 2019). Autism & movie talk. Embrace Autism. Ontario, Canada. Retrieved from: https://embrace-autism.com/autism-and-movie-talk/

  • Sullivan, Danielle. (n.d.) Echolalia and scripting in autism: Why we autistics repeat. Neurodiverging. Lafayette, CO. Retrieved from: https://neurodiverging.com/episode-104-what-is-echolalia/

  • Holmans, Lyric. (April 27, 2020). Autistic speech patterns – Echolalia, palilalia & verbal stimming. Neurodivergent Rebel. Retrieved from: https://neurodivergentrebel.com/2020/04/27/autistic-speech-patterns-echolalia-palilalia-verbal-stimming/

Recent Articles

High-Functioning Autism: Levels, Diagnosis, & Support Options
High-Functioning Autism: Levels, Diagnosis, & Support Options
Those diagnosed with high-functioning autism (HFA) exhibit normal or above-average intelligence, verbal skills, and language development. While individuals with...
';
Autism & Anxiety: Connections, Support Options, & Tips for Coping
Many autistic individuals struggle with anxiety, with studies indicating that nearly 40% of the population will develop a type...
';
Autism & Sleep Issues: Connections & How to Cope
Autism & Sleep Issues: Connections & How to Cope
Autistic folks often struggle with sleep problems for a number of reasons. Sensory issues–such as hypersensitivity to touch or...
';
Autism vs. Social Anxiety_ Understanding the Difference
Autism Vs. Social Anxiety: Understanding the Difference
Autistic individuals and those with social anxiety may both struggle to interact with others, but the reasons behind these...
';
Autism _ OCD_ Are They Connected
OCD & Autism: Understanding the Link
Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are a hallmark feature of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While...
';
Stimming_ What It Is _ Why Its Useful
Stimming: What It Is & Why It’s Useful
Stimming refers to the use of repetitive physical movements or verbal statements for self-stimulation. Common examples include flapping hands,...
';
Headshot of Sharon Kaye-O'Connor, LCSW
Written by:

Sharon Kaye-O’Connor

LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Scripting?Definition
  • Who Uses Scripting?Population
  • Why Do Autistic People Use Scripting?Why It's Used
  • Autism Scripting ExamplesExamples
  • Treatment & Support OptionsSupport
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Autism Scripting InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept