What is Gestalt Language Processing?

There are two types of language development, and understanding each type helps us support a child’s unique needs and skills.  There is the stereotypical way we think of, which is called Analytic Language Processing (ALP), and then there is Gestalt Language Processing (GLP).  Both types of processing are typical for development, but we need to model language completely differently for each type.  It is also important to note that ALPs only go through 4 stages of language development while GLPs go through 6 stages. This means GLPs may need a little extra support to develop language.

What's the Difference?

ALP is the most common type of language development.  Kiddos that are ALPs learn babbling, which turns into protowords (or "prewords"). These protowords then become real words, phrases, sentences, and conversation.  We can think of this type of language learning as receiving bricks one at a time in order to build a Lego kit.  Each colored block has meaning in itself and has purpose and intent when used as part of the whole structure, aka the sentences and conversation chunks. 

ALPs learn to build language from the "bottom up!" Their language grows piece by piece!

GLP is less common, although in the Autistic community, 85% of children with ASD present as GLPs instead of ALPs, BUT they are not always associated.  Children without ASD can present as GLPs, but if a child is on the spectrum, there is a HIGH chance they will also be a GLP learner.  GLPs learn whole chunks instead of individual words and we call these chunks "Gestalts" or "scripts" (though "scripts" is the older term, it's still commonly associated with discussions of GLP learning).  Returning to our Lego analogy, these kiddos are given whole pages worth of built Legos and must learn how to disassemble the project and assign meaning to each brick.  To them, they only know the whole piece as meaningful and it may be far more meaningful to them than it is to us.  BUT ALL of their utterances are meaningful. 

GLPs learn language from the "top down!" Their language is acquired by learning chunks which they learn to breakdown later!

What are some signs my child is a GLP?

• "Intonation Babies:" Everything they say is RICH with intonation, meaning the imitate the exact pitches used in an utterance.

• They love patterns and repetition, so they love colors, numbers, and letters; and they ESPECIALLY love music.

• They may sing or babble with intonation but you may not notice true words or they may be very unintelligible and hard to understand

• They imitate multiple words or phrases instead of single words

• OR they only produce single words with noticeable intonation.  They may produce single words repeatedly or use the same single word to convey 5 different meanings (i.e. "car" may be "let's go for a ride," "that's a car," "I like that car," etc)

  • They may produce single words LONG after the milestone of producing 2-word utterances (2 years)

• Self-directed in play, with infrequent imitations of language and muffled independent language

• Imitates scenes from movies/TV/YouTube without words

• Nonspeaking or minimally verbal

So my child may be a GLP, what do I do?

First off, please know that this doesn't mean you have done something wrong as a parent!  MANY children need a little extra boost when it comes to language development.  Secondly, get a referral from your child's pediatrician for a speech evaluation!  Speech language pathologists (SLPs) are highly skilled in language development and can better determine if your child is a GLP or an ALP! 

It is also important to note that children who are GLPs need structured interventions based on their stage of language development.  SLPs will collect language samples to determine your child's current abilities in comprehending language and communicating that language knowledge.  Then they can appropriately determine your child's stage of functioning and how to target language development in clinic and at home based on that stage.  SLPs will support language development differently in each stage of GLP development by implementing the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) evidence-based practice.

Is there anything I can do before the evaluation?

Absolutely!  If you know you are coming in for an evaluation, video some language samples at home of your child to have prepared to give to their SLP.  It is crucial to understand where children are getting their Gestalts, or scripts, from so we can figure out how to breakdown their utterances in skilled interventions.  There are also several general practices you can implement at home that support GLPs at any stage:

• ALWAYS acknowledge their utterances even if you only catch one word.  Repeat what they say back to them!

• Don't ask a lot of "wh" questions.  If your GLP doesn't comprehend a question or know how to respond, they will rely on the language they developed earlier in life, and they may become more stuck in their current productions.

• Model 1st person language at home, meaning use utterances from the perspective of your child (i.e. "I want a drink" instead of "do you want a drink" or "here ya go" instead of "thank you").  Narrate for them! If they imitate of us and make it their own language, we want to set them up for grammatical success later down the line.

• Use songs for language learning and opt for songs that tell a story or that use repeating patterns.

• If your child loves YouTube, opt for channels made specifically for GLPs (i.e. "Playtime with Tor").  Opt for less stimulating, educational TV shows and movies, these will offer Gestalts that are easier to "mitigate," or change, into more independent and true self-language for your child.  Consider shows like "Daniel Tiger," "Little Bear," and "Franklin."

• However, it is ALWAYS best to reduce screen time in general.  If your child is getting their language from you, it is going to be MUCH easier to determine the intent behind their utterances and then transfer the language into more everyday use.

Determining the way your child acquires language opens up more opportunities for language learning and helps you create more meaningful communicative connections.  Call our office today to learn about beginning services or to schedule a speech screening!  We are here to help your child grow and become more independent in their future lives.