Gestalt Language Processing

What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Gestalt Language processing is the natural language  learning  style for many autistic children, and some allistic(non-autistic) children.

Gestalt Processing is not a diagnosis, but a descriptive term to understand a processing style.

Gestalt Language Processors first learn language from intonation, starting delayed echolalia (scripts), rather than individual words as units of meaning.

Gestalt Language Processing exists in contrast to Analytic Language Processing

Analytic Language Processors	Gestalt Language Processors
Part to whole learning	Whole to part learning
Process words first	Process intonation first
Learns words referentially (e.g. relates the word 'ball' to a ball)	Learns language through experiences (e.g. relates a phrase to the experience when they heard that phrase)
The more common language processing style for allistic people	The more common language processing style for autistic people

How can I recognise if my child is a Gestalt Language Processor?

Some indicators a child may be a Gestalt Language Processor are;

Using lots of delayed echolalia/scripting to communicate. 
Phrases used don’t seem to quite match situation (e.g. ‘of course’ for yes) 
Possibly hyperlexic
Might appear to have some overgeneralisation, e.g. will say ‘mum’ to get anyone’s attention, because it has been learned as a part of a chunk, rather than as a name for a specific person.
Has long chunks of unintelligible language with clear/recognisable intonation 
Speaks in third person
Often musical or loves songs and nursery rhymes

How does Language Develop for a Gestalt Language Processor?

Gestalt Language Processors language moves through stages, first being developed as scripts, and then moving towards flexible, self-generated language.

In the first stage of language development, children will use delayed echolalia (scripts) as units of meaning – this looks like using scripts across environments.
In thenext stage of language development, gestalt language processors will ‘mitigate’ (mix and match) scripts with each other.
In the third stage, GLPers will ‘free the words’ and begin to recognise individual words as units of meaning. They may use individual words referentially, e.g. ‘ball’ or put together two words independently ‘red car’
In the fourth stage of language development, GLPers will develop flexible, self-generated language to put different ideas together.

At any point in time, it is likely that some language from a range of stages may exist in someone’s language output. Much like when analytic language processors are dysregulated and give single word responses, when a Gestalt Language Processor is dysregulated, they may use scripts, as this is the foundation level of their language.

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How does Language Develop for a Gestalt Language Processor?

Gestalt Language Processors language moves through stages, first being developed as scripts, and then moving towards flexible, self-generated language.

In the first stage of language development, children will use delayed echolalia (scripts) as units of meaning – this looks like using scripts across environments.
In thenext stage of language development, gestalt language processors will ‘mitigate’ (mix and match) scripts with each other.
In the third stage, GLPers will ‘free the words’ and begin to recognise individual words as units of meaning. They may use individual words referentially, e.g. ‘ball’ or put together two words independently ‘red car’
In the fourth stage of language development, GLPers will develop flexible, self-generated language to put different ideas together.

How to best support a Gestalt Language Processor?

Some tips to support a Gestalt Language Processor are:

Acknowledge all gestalts, even if you can't quite figure out what they mean 
Make sure to model phrases that are functional, relevant, and flexible
Don't take everything literally. for example, a child could have a gestalt of 'I want a banana!' to request food, but they might actually be wanting a biscuit, the gestalt for them may be just a single unit meaning they are hungry.
Use lots and lots of songs! Then mix and match different words into the songs.
Use lots of natural expression and intonation in your language. 
Don't just model one/two words at a time, as they can become 'stuck' single word gestalts.
Engage in play that matches that child's sensory preferences as much as you can, as this is when you are more likely to see more spontaneous language. 
Use their interests, e.g. letters, numbers, animals, shapes, and add the language to this.
While working on their language, also make sure you're not prompting for play that is beyond their level (e.g. don't set up for imaginary play if the child just needs people play games).

When should I seek therapy for a Gestalt Language Processor?

Some children who are gestalt processors may move through the stages quickly and not need any support! It is important to remember that just because a child is a gestalt language processor, doesn’t meant they have a language delay. it’s just a different pathway to language acquisition!

A GLPer may need support from a speech pathologist if;

Their main language output consists of unintelligible strings of language
They haven’t been able to mitigate language or develop flexible language, meaning they are only communicating with scripts
Those around them (e.g. educators, extended family) need support to understand how to communicate with them.
They are experiencing frustration due to communication breakdowns

A Gestalt Language Processor may need support from an Occupational Therapist in addition to a Speech Pathologist if they need to have their sensory processing needs addressed in order to access their language.