Gestalt Language Processors: Tips for Parents and Educators to Create a Supportive Environment

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, they can nurture and support this natural way of developing language. Here are practical tips to foster a supportive environment for GLPs at home and school.

Understanding the Needs of Gestalt Language Processors

Before diving into strategies, it’s crucial to understand how GLPs differ from ALPs, who follow a different language development trajectory. ALPs initially babble and use jargon and then start producing their first words. Once they have enough single words, they combine words into phrases and eventually start producing sentences and stories. GLPs on the other hand start by using large chunks of language that carry a greater meaning to them. These language chunks are repeated from other sources and meaningful contexts. This is delayed echolalia!

Over time, GLPs break down these chunks into smaller parts, recombining them to form new expressions.

A supportive environment acknowledges this natural developmental trajectory and limits well-intentioned but misinformed approaches that discourage delayed echolalia by trying to reduce its frequency. Instead, it celebrates their unique development and sets GLPs up for natural language development.

Creating a Supportive Environment at Home

Thoughtfully model language

The way we model language for Gestalt Language Processors is important. A characteristic of their language development, GLPs echo or repeat language exactly as they heard it, often with the same intonation as when they originally heard the language. So, when sharing language with your child, try to phrase it so that it sounds natural when they repeat it. Example: Rather than saying, "Are you ready for school?" try saying, "Time for school" or "Let's go to school." Use rich intonation or even singing, as this may help the language be more meaningful to the child.

Acknowledge and Encourage Delayed Echolalia

When your child repeats language (i.e., uses delayed echolalia), acknowledge it! You can do this by repeating it back to them, nodding your head, smiling, and saying "Oh cool" if you're unsure what it refers to. Delayed Echolalia might not always make sense to the listener but it is meaningful to the child. We want to show the GLP that we recognize their attempt to communicate with us and even if we don't understand it, we want them to keep using it! This is where detective work comes into play- an important component of supporting Gestalt Language Processors. Resist the urge to correct or discourage scripting. Instead, respond in a way that validates their communication and offers opportunities for interaction.

For example, if your child says, "Octonauts to the launch bay!" you might reply, "Let's go! We gotta get to the launch bay," or repeat the gestalt to them. This shows the child you are there to support and acknowledge their language.

Offer Visual and Contextual Supports

GLPs often benefit from visuals and routines. Many GLPs are hyperlexic or able to read at a very young age, often before they are 5 years old, without formal instruction. Given this skill, it can be helpful to write down phrases for the GLP to read, which may potentially become a gestalt in other contexts. Visuals also support comprehension.

Engage in Play-Based Interaction

Play is a child's way of learning and it's no different for a GLP! GLPs develop language from meaningful contexts and often play is very meaningful and enjoyable to children, which may lead to more gestalts. Follow your child’s lead in play, repeat their delayed echolalia, offer language in a thoughtful manner, and be present. 

Creating a Supportive Environment at School

Use Visual Schedules and Supports

Provide students with clear visual schedules with written instructions underneath to support their understanding of routines and expectations. 

Incorporate Interests

Leverage the student’s unique interests to support engagement and create meaningful contexts. If a child loves dinosaurs, incorporate dinosaur-themed books, games, or visuals into lessons. Using their interests helps establish a connection and makes language more meaningful, which will likely lead to increased use of language at a later time.

Work with Specialists

Collaborate with speech-language pathologists to learn more about Gestalt Language Processors and better understand how to best support GLPs. Work with occupational therapists to incorporate meaningful, supportive movement into the child's day that supports their engagement and language. 

Tips for Both Parents and Educators

Do not correct echolalia or discourage a GLP from using it

Echolalia is the foundation of language development for GLPs. Acknowledging and encouraging delayed echolalia supports a child in progressing to the next stages of their language development. This is commonly misunderstood by many, as some approaches have encouraged families and educators to stop a child from using delayed echolalia. By acknowledging echolalia we communicate to the child that we are a communication partner who wants to connect and understand them better. We can then support them in moving on to the next stage of their development, which is breaking apart this delayed echolalia.

Celebrate Progress

Focus on growth, no matter how small. Recognize and celebrate when your child or student uses a new gestalt.

Be Patient

Language development takes time! Just as ALPs develop at different rates, so too do GLPs! Avoid setting rigid expectations and instead appreciate their unique pace.

Communicate Consistently

Maintain open communication between home and school. Share strategies, successes, and observations to create a cohesive support system.

Final Thoughts

Supporting gestalt language processors is a beautiful process! It involves strong partnerships and trust, detective work and understanding. By celebrating and encouraging delayed echolalia caregivers and educators set GLPs up for language development in later stages. Remember, the journey of language development is as unique as the child—and with the right tools and mindset, every child can achieve their full communication potential.

If you like to schedule a consult with us to learn more about supporting gestalt language processors, reach out!