I know someone who repeats what's being said on tv what's that called and why do they do it.? the person i know has autism i am asking for the person

Echolalia: It is called echolalia and is very common in people with autism.

Echolalia: Usually present in patients with autisitic spectrum disorders / Asperger syndrome. It is a type in the wide spectrum of language disorders seen in this population, maybe regarded as a stereotypical behavior. They do not intend to use these vocalizations for communiaction; words or complete dialogue may be repeated.