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:
Using whole phrases to communicate (“Let’s get out of here,” “Want some more?”)
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.”)
Recognizing that words are the main building blocks of language (“Let’s get” + “wanna get" = “get”)
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?
Could my non-speaking or minimally speaking child be a gestalt language processor?
What should I do if I suspect my child is a gestalt language processor?
How does gestalt language processing impact comprehension and literacy?
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