If My Child Is Not Speaking, Are They a Gestalt Language Processor?
They absolutely could be! A child does not need to be using words to be identified as a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP).
Personally, at Valued Voices, we don’t align with words terms like “non-verbal,” but we do recognize this may be a term you have heard somewhere else. Instead, we like to use terms like “non-speaking” or “minimally speaking.” Because, in truth, verbal does not just mean the words that come out of our mouth, verbal means so much more and so our strong belief is that everyone is verbal. In this post, when we talk about non-speaking, we are specifically talking about those words that come out of our mouth.
Now let’s take a closer look into some information to help guide you in determining if your child may be a GLP:
- Your child may hum or sing songs but is not using “words.”
- Your child’s speech & language has rich intonation, but their longer strings of utterances are not easily understood. Here, you may notice that the intonation they are providing sounds familiar (like from a certain song or scene from a movie), but you can’t understand it clearly.
- Your child is using single words, but they are not combining them to expand their utterances.
- Your child replays clips from movies, videos, songs, and/or TV shows. They use scripts from these parts of the clips to communicate.
- If using AAC, your child is not making much progress as most AAC devices are programed for analytic language processors, using single words (instead of phrases) to build sentences. You may find here that your child is again using single words but not expanding beyond that.
Click here, for more information on ways to identify if your kiddo is a GLP.
It is always important remember to:
- Acknowledge all forms of your kiddo’s communication, even if you can’t understand it.
- Do the digging to find out which sources your child’s long, repeated strings are coming from and watch them to get better insight into what your child is actually trying to communicate with you.
- Affirm and model language for your child. If your child is using an AAC device, you should also still be modeling on the device and through spoken words. Model what you think your child is trying to say, even if you are guessing and always model functional, everyday language.
In the beginning stages of GLP, all kids need more modeling. Click here to find out more about Stage 1 GLP.
Things to Know About AAC
If you are considering introducing AAC to your child…do it! Age, cognitive abilities, attention…none of this matter when it comes to AAC as there are no prerequisites. AAC has been shown to improve:
- Behavior
- Attention
- Self-Confidence
- Regulation
- Independence
- Participation
- Social Interactions
When considering AAC to a gestalt language processor, it is important to add personalized gestalts/scripts onto the device. Instead of using single words, adding phrases will help your child mitigate gestalts when moving into other stages. It is important for your child to hear functional, every day and meaningful language, so model gestalts on the device and say them out loud. It is important to program gestalts and model them (both on AAC and out loud) across different language functions and across various settings and contexts. For example, program gestalts for protesting, shared joy, requesting, etc. and across various settings/contexts, such as mealtime, playtime, transitions, etc.
Curious in learning more about GLP?
If you are wondering if your kiddo may be a GLP, book a complimentary consultation with me today so we can dig deeper into your child’s strengths.
If you know your child is a GLP and are wanting more support, book a parent coaching session with me today.
SHOLEH SHAHINFAR
M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT
Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children’s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.
