Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) are children who learn language by initially repeating what they hear from other sources. This first stage of language development for GLPs is called Delayed Echolalia, and it's a valid and meaningful way of communicating. As speech therapists with experience and training in supporting GLPs, we can support children to progress to later stages of language development to produce language that is "self-generated" or not directly from another so

Who is a "Late Talker": Around 18 months, children often produce at least 10 words and on average about 50 words. A late talker is a child who is 18- 30 months and not yet using many verbal words to communicate. Oftentimes, when a child is not meeting these milestones, speech therapy can be helpful. A speech therapist will provide strategies and support to help the child develop words, phrases and sentences. How to support a Late Talker: There are many strategies that can be

Using multi-modal communication with your toddler to support language development.

Speech sound development

What is Mae-Mae & Me Mae-Mae & Me is a toddler language class led by speech therapists and designed to accelerate your child's ability to say their first words and phrases. Our classes incorporate speech therapy strategies proven to help kids say first words and phrases and are built around playful activities, including music, movement, and sensory experiences. Why join Mae-Mae & Me Around 12 months , children start to say their first word, and by 18 months, most children say

Speech Language Play NYC's curated list of free activities in Brooklyn in February 2026!

Verbal routines are a powerful early language development tool. Read more to learn about what they are, who can benefit from them and find a few examples!

As a new mom, I'm starting to realize even more so than before how fun (and necessary) it is to find activities to fill a child's day. My baby is only 3.5 months old, so his wake windows are still short, and it's entertaining enough for him to just go for a Brooklyn neighborhood walk or play on his play mat. But, I still find myself looking for activities to take him to (he loves to people watch! :) ) or envisioning what I might take him to in a few months! Here are a few act

Speech & Language Milestones: 12–24 Months The period between 12 and 24 months is one of the most exciting times for communication development and knowing the toddler speech and language milestones for this age can be helpful . Toddlers move from being primarily communicators through sounds and gestures to using words, phrases, and early sentences to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas. It’s also a time when development can look very different from child to child, and tha

Scavenger hunts are fun and they're a great way to enhance a child's speech and language skills. Whether you’re indoors on a rainy day or exploring your neighborhood, scavenger hunts naturally encourage communication, problem-solving, and social interactions . What makes Scavenger Hunts Language-Enriching 1. They are a natural, play-based way to meaningful support language development During a scavenger hunt, kids are exposed to new words, descriptive language (e.g., colors,

The speech and language skills that develop in the first year are foundational to continued development.

Each month we curate a selection of free or low cost activities in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan that are language enriching and, as speech therapists, we recommend to support development. Here are a few activities happening in November: Brooklyn Children's Book Fair; November 9th, 11 am-3:30 pm Location: Brooklyn Museum Plaza; Eastern Parkway- Prospect Heights, Brooklyn The Brooklyn Children's Book Fair is an annual event that brings together children's book authors to read a

Newborn language development and ways to support it in daily interactions.

Exploring the benefits of a collaborative environment for speech therapists and occupational therapists to support clients.

Language development for Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) is a process that involves various stages. GLPs acquire language in chunks or "gestalts" rather than starting with single words. These gestalts are called Delayed Echolalia and may include phrases, songs, or even entire shows or books, and serve as essential building blocks for future language development. When caregivers and educators understand the importance of delayed echolalia for GLP's language development, the

At Speech Language Play NYC, we are strong advocates for movement in speech therapy sessions. Some may choose to sit at a table, but that's not our expectation for what speech therapy will look like. There are a few reasons for that: It's developmentally expected that some children would want to be moving around Movement is necessary for some kids; it supports attention and regulation When a child is regulated and having a good time, progress in speech therapy goals will mor

Ms. Rachel is a YouTube sensation who so many families and children adore. And it makes sense! She's warm, full of energy, fun and engaging. She uses strategies and approaches that can support language development for many young children, making her a great option for families who want to put a show on for their children to watch. What makes Ms. Rachel so engaging, from my lens as a speech therapist? She uses many intentional and supportive strategies and techniques to help

The signs your child is a gestalt language processor (GLP) go beyond using delayed echolalia . Knowing other characteristics to consider in determining if a child is a gestalt language processor will allow you to interact with them most effectively, seek speech therapy from an NLA-trained speech therapist, and help your child reach their full potential. Let's talk about some of the signs your child may be a gestalt language processor: Use of delayed echolalia Delayed echolal

Speech therapy is helpful for late talkers who need support to develop their first words. Let's choose toys that will be the most helpful to elicit language. Note: This post is about the first-word development for Analytic Language Processors. We also talk a lot about Gestalt Language Processors on our blog and recommend reading this post for more information on GLP language development. Kids who babble and coo and then eventually start saying their first words are called A

Let's talk about the language development of Gestalt language processors (GLPs). It's important to keep in mind that a GLP will ALWAYS be a GLP. What does this mean? GLPs are people who develop language with a top-down approach. They initially produce "chunks" of language, also referred to as gestalts or delayed echolalia, then learn to break those chunks down into flexible language that can be mixed and matched. For some gestalt language processors, they can go through this