Signs Your Child is a Gestalt Language Processor
Most children with autism are Gestalt Language Processors. I’ve listed the main signs that indicate Gestalt Language Processing below. Read previous blog posts linked below to learn why it’s important to understand Gestalt Language Processing.
Gestalt Language Processing and Autism
Gestalt Language Processing vs. Analytic Language Processing
Your child may have a delay in language. It is common for Gestalt Language Processors to start stage 1 (echolalia) around the age of 2.5.
Your child uses rich intonation (changes in pitch). You can hear the melody of the utterances, even if it is unintelligible. It may even sound slightly musical.
Your child uses echolalia or scripts to communicate. Gestalt Language Processors acquire language in chunks, so they are more likely to use chunks of language to communicate as opposed to individual words.
Your child reverses pronouns. This is common because Gestalt Language Processors will repeat sentences exactly as they hear it. This can depend on the stage of Gestalt Language Processing your child is at currently.
Your child’s language seems inflexible or he/she uses the same phrases throughout the day. This is because they use scripts or echolalia first and have not developed the ability to break up scripts in order to create spontaneous or flexible utterances. It is important to work with a speech-language pathologist who is familiar with Gestalt Language Processing in order to move beyond the echolalia stage.
Language is situational because Gestalt Language Processors have strong episodic memory. Many scripts a child uses are tied to a specific memory, and they “stick” because of the emotion associated with the memory (negative or positive). The scripts used may not make sense at the exact moment. For example, I had a client who would say, “I don’t want to play this game anymore!” when she was upset or done with any activity, even if we were not playing a game.
Your child has autism. If your child has autism, he/she is most likely a Gestalt Language Processor.
Does this sound like your child? Does your child seem “stuck” with language? I recommend working with a speech-language pathologist who is familiar with Gestalt Language Processing to help your child move through the stages of Gestalt Language Processing. Book a free consultation call with Jodi if you are interested in working with her or would like to discuss an individualized approach for your child.
