Gestalt language processing is the name given to a type of language development. Although it was identified in the 70’s, it has only recently been given more recognition. Research indicates that a high percentage of autistic children process language in this way, therefore it is imperative that therapists, teachers, and parents have a good understanding of what it is and how we can support children who develop language this way.
Most children are analytical language processors, which means that they begin to acquire language in single word units and then add words to create increasingly more complex sentences. GLP’s begin their language journey differently because they often don’t initially recognize, and use, single words. Rather, they begin by chunking language into phrases. These phrases hold meaning to them, but we listeners often don’t recognize the meaning intended, or even acknowledge them as a valid intent to communicate.
Although it may sound quite disordered and be concerning to parents, it is in fact part of normal language development. However, unlike analytical language processors who move through this phase quite quickly, a GLP will spend much more time communicating this way before they begin to see the words in their phrases as single units. You could view the two language acquisition styles as separate roads that eventually converge into one.
What does it look like in a child?
Talking in whole phrases or language chunks: Often referred to as gestalts, echolalia, or scripts. It is common for a GLP to lift these gestalts from movies, songs, or books. They may also repeat phrases that they have heard others using. Sometimes, they may use single words but they then can’t combine these words into sentences.
Hyperlexia: If a child’s reading is very advanced for their age, but they struggle to express themselves or otherwise use language as expected, it may be that they are a GLP.
A special interest in watching, listening to, or reading the same movie, song, or book over and over: This may be their way of attaching meaning to the gestalts that they may later begin to communicate with.
Lots of babbling that may be unintelligible: we have all heard those children who have full conversations in what sounds like their own language. This may be speeded up gestalts. They have the words in their brain, but their mouths simply can’t produce them accurately at speed yet.
Uses lots of intonation: They communicate in a wide range of rich and melodic tones that almost sound musical. They can be very good at imitating other people’s tones or those used by the narrators in movies too.
A language delay: although this is not always the case, a delay could indicate the child is a GLP.
What should a parent do to support their child who is a gestalt language processor?
The first step, if you are concerned about your child’s language skills, is to see a speech language therapist. But if you already think your child is indeed a GLP, it is recommended that you start to learn as much as you can about it too, so that you understand how to support them. There is plenty of information available on-line and some respected resources are listed below.
Make sure that you find a therapist who is knowledgeable, and up to date, on the approaches used to support a GLP. Not all therapists have the training and expertise required. Therapy that focuses on approaches developed for analytic language processors will be detrimental to the child’s progress and will cause frustration for all. The more you are aware of what helps to support your child, the more able you will be to recognize that a therapist is a good match.
For example, GLP’s go through 4 different stages and, if we know which stage they are in, we can help them to progress to the next. Your therapist will be able to identify which stage of development your child is in. They will work collaboratively with you, as a team, so that language goals are clearly identified and carried over into the child’s daily environments.
A good therapist will also use a total communication approach, and introduce speech alternatives, if they feel this will help the child communicate their needs whilst they are developing verbal skills. Research clearly indicates that this provides the best outcomes and leads to faster language acquisition.
Gestalt language development resources:
Facebook pages: Meaningful Speech, AAC and Gestalt language Processing
Website: www.meaningfulspeech.com
