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Tips to Support a Gestalt Language Processor

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, it goes to his heart” – Nelson Mandela

Gestalt Language learning is a completely normal way of developing language. Language is developed in two ways: analytically or in gestalt. Further, both these ways of learning language are considered normal in children. So, today we are discussing tips to support a gestalt language processor. Is your child learning a language in gestalt? Then, continue reading to learn tips to support your child.

Research Evidence

The first research evidence published by Prizant in 1983, reviews the way autistic children process language. Further, the author discusses echolalia and the cognitive-linguistic processing associated with it. The latest study was done by Luyster in 2022 and reviews the unconventional language patterns in autistics. The study details the complexities of autism and language development.

Tips to Support a Gestalt Language Processor

The overall goal of speech therapy for GLPs is to enable them to use self-generated language. Hence, these tips are most effective when interacting with a child in a natural and engaging context. So, use playtime or an interactive activity while applying these tips.

What can you do?

Respond to your child. In other words, smile, nod, or repeat to acknowledge your child’s attempts to communicate.
Respond using words or phrases to comment on the intention of the child’s speech. Further, do not focus on the literal meaning of what the child said. E.g.: If a child says “wheels on the bus” every time you go outside, say “Yes, going outside”.
Utilize pronouns while speaking. E.g: say “I want to go play football”.
Use your child’s echolalia to build on their speech.
Identify the situations and context in which they echo or use scripted phrases. In other words, if a child says “wheels on the bus” whenever he/she or anyone else prepares to go outside, it means the child is using this phrase to say “go outside”. Similarly, identify specific contexts and scripts your child is saying.
Use core words while communicating. So, instead of saying “Ram’s new shoes are amazing”, simplify it and say “I love the shoes” or “I love it”. This is easier for your child to pick up and speak.
Provide easy phrases and repeat them often at home during playtime. Children learn chunks of speech they hear. E.g.: Say “My toy” “Come here” “Go there” or any core words often at home.
Treat their scripted language or echolalia as communication attempts.
Use high-frequency words and phrases at home often during interaction time.
Expand your child’s words into sentences. E.g.: If they say “come come” to call someone, say “papa come here”.
Observe and comment on what your child says or does.
Model simple phrases. In other words, say “I want …”. Modelling sentences help GLPs build self-generated language.
Always take conversational turns with your child.
Use and repeat functional scripts such as: “I’m thirsty” instead of asking “Are you thirsty?”.
Listen to what your child is trying to say.

What not to do?

Do not ignore their attempts to communicate.
Consider their scripted phrases and echolalia as speech
Avoid saying “say..” “Tell me..”
Reduce or avoid asking questions.
Additionally, do not use long and complex utterances. In other words, use simple easy functional phrases.
Do not take their echolalia as literal meaning.
Don’t force them to use only verbal mode to communicate. If they use gestures or AAC acknowledge their attempts.
Do not focus on teaching grammar or expect perfect grammar from your child
Do not rush them to respond to your comments.
Avoid focusing on their faults.

How 1SpecialPlace supports children with Gestalt language processing?

We at 1SpecialPlace employ the neurodiversity-affirming clinical practice. Further, our therapists are trained in identifying neurodiverse children who will benefit from speech therapy focusing on GLP strategies. Therefore, we believe in understanding and supporting a child’s needs and abilities. Here is an overview of the steps we follow for a neurodiverse child who is a gestalt language processor.