My Top Tips for communicating with Gestalt Language Processors
Gestalt language processors (GLPs) are communicators whose language development begins with echolalia or scripting. GLPs may repeat questions, quote movies or TV shows or sing /hum long songs but struggle to use and combine single words to communicate wants or needs. As a speech therapist in Atlanta who works with GLPs to progress to self-generated language, here are my top tips to keep in mind.
Show them you “hear” them! Encourage all communication (spoken, physical, facial expressions, and more) to help your child or student progress. Repeat what you understand of your child or narrate what you are interpreting. For example, if your child is humming and you pickup on a few words. Try to hum along and highlight those same words you heard. If your child is not speaking, but using body language or facial expressions to share joy or protest, narrate I see a smile…”I like this song” or “uh oh…I need space”
Develop catch phrases! Work with a speech therapist to pick out helpful phrases or sentences to use throughout the say. Make these your catch phrases and find as many excuses as your can to include them in routines throughout the day.
Move around! Incorporate movement to help regulate and invigorate your child or student. Movement games can be turned into language routines that your child or student may then be able to request. If your child enjoys being spun around, pair language “Let’s spin around” and “Do it again” or “More of that” as you spin them. On the swing model, “How about a push” or “Way up high” as your push them.
Limit direct questions! This one is tough, but I suggest parents offer choices instead. If you would normally ask what do you want to eat? Try starting with a statement, “let’s get some food” and offer choices ““we can eat apples” or “maybe some cheese””. If you do ask questions, try to make them indirect or a “group question” (a question for everyone). This might be asking “what’s inside?” “where should we go?” or questions you can tell your child or student is wondering based on their body language and facial expressions.
