How To Know If Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Processor, and What To Do About It

The Voz Institute
You ask your child, “Do you want to go to the park?” and they respond with a cheerful, “Want to go to the park!”

You might wonder if they’re simply repeating you, or if they truly understand what they’re saying.

If this sounds familiar, your child might be a gestalt language processor.

This is a unique way of learning how to speak.

It’s not considered a disorder, simply a difference.

At The Voz Institute, our Washington DC speech pathologists are trained to work with gestalt language processors.

In this article, we’ll be looking at gestalt language processing.

We’ll look at how gestalt language processing works, how to tell if your child is a gestalt language processor, and how to best support them.

What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a different, but completely natural way some children learn to talk.

Instead of learning individual words one by one, like building a tower block by block, they learn in “chunks” called gestalts.

These gestalts can be phrases, sentences, or even whole scripts they’ve heard in movies, songs, or from people around them.

It’s like starting with a whole tower and then figuring out how each block fits together.

Gestalt language processing is often seen in autistic children.

RELATED: Autism Speech Therapy

But not every autistic child is a gestalt language processor.

And not every gestalt language processor is autistic.

How To Tell If Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Processor

One of the most noticeable signs of gestalt language processing is delayed echolalia.

This means your child might repeat phrases they’ve heard earlier, even if it seems out of context.

For example, they might say, “time for bed!” even when it’s not bedtime, because they’ve heard you say that phrase before.

While it might sound like simple repetition, echolalia is actually a powerful tool for gestalt language processors.

They’re not just mimicking.

They’re trying to communicate.

They use these familiar phrases to express themselves and make sense of the world around them.

Over time, they start to break down these gestalts.

They figure out the individual words and how they fit together to create meaning.

Echolalia is a crucial stepping stone on their journey to developing their own spoken language skills.

What Stages of Language Development in GLP

Children who are gestalt language processors go through distinct stages as they learn to talk, just like other kids.

But their journey looks a bit different.

Here’s how most gestalt language processors learn language.

1. Whole Gestalts

First, they start by using those chunks of language, the whole gestalts, to communicate.

Think of it like using pre-made sentences.

For example, they might say, “let’s go play outside” whenever they want to play, whether it’s indoors or out.

2. Mitigations

Next, they begin breaking down those big chunks into smaller pieces.

They might start saying “play outside” or “let’s go play”.

3. Using Single Words

At this point, your child will figure out individual words from their gestalts.

That means they’ll start to understand what “play” and “outside” means, using the above example.

4. Creating Their Own Phrases

Now, they’ll start putting those individual words together in new ways.

It’s unlikely they’ll be saying full sentences at this point.

Instead, it will be smaller phrases, like “play outside” or “cookie please”.

5. Original Sentences

At this point, they become more adventurous and start creating their own sentences.

This allows them to express their thoughts and ideas in more complex ways.

From here, gestalt language processors are able to build a full understanding of grammar.

How To Support A Gestalt Language Learner

Do you think your child is a gestalt language learner?

If so, it’s important to remember there’s nothing wrong with them.

Gestalt language processing is less common, but it’s considered a normal way to learn language.

So, how can you help a child who learns language through gestalts?

The key is to create a supportive and understanding environment that celebrates their unique way of communicating.

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to do just that

1. Respond To All Their Communication Attempts

Gestalts are your child’s attempts to communicate.

Even if their words seem out of context or you don’t quite understand what they mean, acknowledge their attempts to communicate.

A simple nod, a smile, or repeating what they said can make a big difference.

It shows them that you’re listening and that you value their efforts.

2. Follow Their Lead

Let them guide the conversation and activities.

Pay attention to what interests them and join in their play.

When you follow their lead, you’re speaking their language and making them feel understood.

3. Model Language To Them

Children learn by watching and listening.

Use clear and simple language when you talk to them.

Slow down your speech, pause between words, and emphasize important words with your voice.

4. Resist the Urge to Correct Them

Instead of correcting their grammar or pronunciation, model the correct way to say it.

This makes it easier for them to learn what their gestalts actually mean.

5. Use Visuals

Pictures, objects, or gestures can help them understand the meaning of words and phrases.

For example, you could point to the backyard while saying “outside”, or use a gesture for “drink” while offering them a cup.

6. Be Patient and Celebrate Progress

Learning a new language takes time and effort, especially when you’re doing it in a different way.

Be patient and encouraging.

Celebrate every milestone along the way, no matter how small.

How Can Speech Therapy Help Gestalt Language Processors?

Speech therapy can be helpful for children who are gestalt language processors.

They can work with your child to :

• Move from echolalia to using their own words and sentences
• Develop functional communication skills, like asking for what they need, expressing their feelings, and interacting with others
• Learn to communicate more effectively in different situations
• Address any co-occurring speech or language delays or disorders

Therapy for gestalt language processors is usually play-based and focuses on the child’s interests.

Not every gestalt language processor needs speech therapy.

But if your child needs some extra support, early intervention speech therapy is ideal.

Book Your Appointment With The Voz Institute Today

Children who are gestalt language processors have unique strengths and talents.

They often have strong memories, are detail oriented, and can learn complex information more quickly.

With the right support and understanding, they can thrive and achieve their full potential.

If your child needs some extra support in developing their speech and language skills, our therapy team is here to help.

Book your appointment with The Voz Institute today.