What is gestalt language processing?

Gestalt language processing is a natural way to learn language. At least 85% of autistic children develop language this way - moving from repeating things they hear (song lyrics, phrases from TV shows or movies) to using more original and spontaneous language.

Your child may be a gestalt language processor if they:

  • Repeat lines from movies and TV shows

  • Use melody and intonation when they speak

  • Seem to be "stuck" using single words

  • Use a limited inventory of words and phrases and repeat words and phrases over and over in the same way each time

  • Make pronoun errors or talk in the third person

For example, when a teacher says: “It’s time for recess!” the child responds: “Let’s get on the train!”. This indicates a gestalt from Thomas the Train. When the child says, “Let’s get on the train!” their intended meaning is “Let’s go to recess,” but they are not yet able to self-generate ‘recess.’

The four stages of Gestalt Language Processing:

There are four main stages of gestalt language processing:

  1. Using whole phrases to communicate (“Let’s get out of here,” “Want some more?”)

  2. Breaking apart these phrases to recombine them (“Let’s get” + “some more" = “Let’s get some more!” “Want” + “out of here" = “Want out of here.”)

  3. Recognizing that words are the main building blocks of language (“Let’s get” + “wanna get" = “get”)

  4. Learning to use conventional grammar (Use of original sentences: “I wanna get some more toys.” Beginning grammar: “Him gots toy.” Advanced grammar: “He's got lots of toys and books.”)

Where can I learn more?

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