Gestalt Language Processing
Why does my child repeat words/phrases/sentences and why can’t we make it stop?! Why are conventional language development strategies not working for my child? Why does his/her language development feel stuck?
Are these questions that you have asked about your child? If your child has echolalia (immediate or delayed repetition of language), there is a chance that he/she is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP)!
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
Gestalt Language Processing is a relatively new term in the field of speech and language therapy. It has recently come into the limelight, despite being written about by experts in the field as early as 1984.
Gestalt Language Processing refers to language development that starts as “gestalts” or “scripts” or “chunks” of language and gradually progresses to self-generated grammar.
This is in sharp contrast to conventional Analytic Language Development which involves processing single units of language (words) and gradually combining those units into longer sentences.
Most children go through the stages of Analytic Language Development:
Single words => two-word combinations => phrases à sentences
Research has now shown that many other children go through the stages of Gestalt Language Development:
Chunks of language/gestalts/scripts => mitigated gestalt or partial mix/match of gestalts => single words or recombinations => self-generated sentences.
Who are Gestalt Language Processors?
Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) are usually children who use delayed echolalia. Echolalia is the immediate or delayed repetition of language (parts of songs, dialogues from TV shows or videos and phrases they have heard others say). Children who are on the Autism Spectrum often use delayed echolalia, as do many neurotypical children, who start their language journey with chunks of language. It is important to note that not all autistic children are Gestalt Language Processors.
What do I do if my child seems to be a Gestalt Language Processor?
Start by making note of the spontaneous expressive language that your child uses (gestalts/chunks)
Investigate the communicative intent behind these gestalts – most hold meaning or an emotional connection
Keep track of non-verbal gestures and expressions accompanying the gestalts, and the situations in which they are used
Identify the sources of language for your child (videos, games, ads on TV, siblings, books, classroom)
Brainstorm new ways to create more spontaneous language opportunities for your child
Add your own gestalt language models to your child’s language input!
Reach out to us for more details and help in guiding you through the stages of language development for your GLP child!
Research about Gestalt Language Processing has added a new dimension to language development. Many professionals and parents are now unlearning previously taught information and strategies and adopting new research evidence-based approaches to support children with delayed echolalia. Contrary to past beliefs, echolalia is not useless and we do not need to focus on making it stop!
Echolalia has intent!
Contact us at roohi@wonderwordstherapy.com for a discussion about Gestalt Language Processing! Let us guide you as you dive deeper into understanding your child’s language development and growing it further!
