Speech Therapy for Gestalt Language Processors
As parents and professionals, we all want the best for our autistic children, especially when it comes to helping them communicate and connect with the world around them. For many autistic children, traditional speech therapy falls flat in supporting their development as it does not take into consideration the way that they are acquiring language. That’s because many (or even most) autistic children are gestalt language processors (GLP). Gestalt language processors (and all kids, really) require a neurodiversity affirming approach to speech therapy that honors how they naturally learn language and empowers them along the way.
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
Gestalt language processors acquire language through a developmental process referred to as gestalt language development. A gestalt language processor acquires language in the form of gestalts, or whole phrases and chunks of language, that are tied to an emotional or otherwise meaningful experience. For many autistic children, you may notice they repeat and use long phrases or even entire scripts from movies, songs, or conversations. This isn’t simply “copying”; it’s a meaningful way of processing language that can lead to more self-generated communication down the road.
Instead of trying to "break down" or correct these phrases, neurodiversity affirming speech therapy aims to acknowledge and honor the child’s gestalts. We embrace these gestalts and use them in our interactions as the child moves toward flexible, spontaneous language use.
What are the stages of gestalt language development?
Gestalt language processors acquire language in a series of developmental stages:
Echolalia and Gestalts: At this stage, children may repeat phrases they've heard, such as favorite lines from a show or something a parent frequently says. (Natural Language Acquisition [NLA] Stage One)
Mixing and Matching: Children begin to take parts of the phrases they’ve learned and mix them together, gradually creating more self-generated messages. (NLA Stage Two)
Single Words and Grammar: As children progress, they begin breaking down these gestalts into smaller parts, eventually leading to the isolation and use of single words. Next, the child will begin to re-combine these words into phrases, eventually moving toward self-generated language with grammatical constructs.
By meeting your child where they are in their language journey, we allow for natural language development while reducing frustration. The therapy fosters independence, builds confidence, and empowers children to communicate in a way that is meaningful to them.
Success Stories: How Understanding Gestalt Language Development Creates Connection & Supports Progress
Let’s take a look at a few examples of how understanding this natural way of acquiring language has empowered and supported clients and their families:
Sarah’s Story: Sarah, a bright 5-year-old, was using scripts from her favorite TV show as a way to interact with others. Her parents were concerned that these "repetitive" phrases weren't helping her connect. Through honoring and engaging with this way of communicating, Sarah’s echolalic speech was embraced, and her therapist helped her use the phrases she loved in more personalized ways. Today, Sarah is initiating conversations with her favorite quotes, leading to meaningful interactions with her family.
Ethan’s Journey: Ethan used to repeat long sentences from his favorite books, and his teachers didn’t know how to support him. Since understanding gestalt language development, we worked with his team to teach everyone how to respond to Ethan’s language and model new language in the process. Now that everyone is on board, Ethan feels more confident using his favorite lines to express his thoughts and needs—and he is now expanding his functions of communication to become an even more spontaneous and autonomous communicator.
Each child’s path is different, but when we acknowledge and honor gestalt language processors, we celebrate their strengths and help them move forward in ways that feel natural and empowering.
Start Unlocking Your Child’s Potential Today
If you’re ready to explore how to best support your child or student’s language development as a gestalt language processor, we’ve got lots of resources for you!
Watch our free webinar on how to support early gestalt language processors through modeling language. This one-hour workshop will leave you feeling excited and confident in your role as your child’s greatest language partner.
And if you’re looking for more in-depth support, we’re excited to invite you to join our Great Language Partner Program! This self-paced course is designed to give parents and caregivers the tools they need to support their child’s gestalt language development through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. It has been described as life-changing! Learn more here.
Listen to our podcast: The GLP Program has expanded into a podcast, bringing you new information on a weekly basis! Learn our favorite tips, hear stories that will warm your heart, and walk away with actionable strategies that can help your child or student thrive!
