echolalia

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If one exhibits echolalia, how do others know what the person is genuinely thinking and feeling?

Context.

With my daughter, I noticed that echolalic expressions weren't random(she is no longer echolalic). Instead, she used them as though they were items on a conversation menu. She didn't (then) make up her own unique phrases. Instead she chose an echolalic phrase which best fit the situation. Over time, she gradually broke the echolalic phrases down into parts and started recombining them. Eventually this led to abandoning echilalic phrases altogether and using her own unique sentences.

Lots of parents of autistic children have seen this pattern. It's pretty common.

Thank you. Can you point me to more information - that is not early childhood specific?

Context.

My echolalic expressions aren't random (I am still echolalic). Instead, I use them as though they are items on a conversation menu. Although I can, and will, make up my own unique phrases, I will also frequently choose an echolalic phrase which best fits the situation. I will also break some echolalic phrases down into parts, and recombine them with others.
As you can see, I have never completely abandoned echolalic phrases altogether.

I don't get it. Will you please explain differently?

My friend's responses match my wording and emotions; thus, despite the context I've realized I not sure of the true intent. Sometimes I learn weeks later my friend didn't mean the words at all. It appears to happen randomly so I'm not sure how to sort it out.