{"id":2120,"date":"2024-03-27T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/?p=2120"},"modified":"2024-03-27T16:12:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T16:12:53","slug":"gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-2120\" data-postid=\"2120\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-2120 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    \t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_akj4678 tb_first tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_j13s679 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tb_zj6c43 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subrow_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_dnrr44 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_mg7a634   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>Understanding language processing in children is a complex and multi-faceted experience that starts developing in early childhood. It involves not just the understanding of words and grammar but also the perception of sound, vision, and social cues. One aspect of language processing that is gaining attention among researchers, educators, and therapists is Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), also referred to as the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. GLP refers to how children perceive and organize language based on patterns and relationships, rather than isolated words or phrases. Gestalt language processing has emerged as a crucial component of language development in autistic children, yet it remains lesser-known among the general public.<\/p>\n<p>This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing. We will explore the definition of gestalt language processing, the unique opportunities it presents, effective strategies that can be employed to support children, and inspiring case studies that highlight the potential for growth and development as we support and empower our gestalt language processors!<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_tak5324 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script src=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script>\n<a class=\"book_a_free_consult\" href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_nw07275 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jzbu59   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"speech\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>What is Gestalt Language Processing?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Gestalt theory or Gestalt psychology, first introduced in the early 20th century, refers to the concept of holistic perception, which means that our mind tends to perceive objects or patterns as a whole, rather than as a collection of individual parts. In language processing, Gestalt theory suggests that children perceive the meaning of a sentence or a phrase based on its structure, coherence, and context, rather than just the sum of its words. For instance, if a child hears the sentence &#8220;The cat chased the mouse,&#8221; they may understand the meaning of the whole sentence, rather than just the individual words. Gestalt language processing is, therefore, a natural way of understanding language, as it matches the way our brain processes information.<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_h2qu373 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_g2y1273   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"fine-motor\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>Gestalt Language Processing in Autism<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Most autistic children are likely gestalt language processors, however, both neurotypical and neurodivergent children can develop language in this way. There are six stages of gestalt language development, and although some may require support across all stages, some children may not. Just like analytic language processors, gestalt language processors can also be delayed in their language development.<\/p>\n<p>Researchers have found that gestalt language processing is crucial for multiple aspects of early language development in autistic children. Firstly, it helps children to infer the meaning of new words based on the context they are used in. For example, if a child hears the sentence &#8220;She brushed her teeth with a brush,&#8221; they may guess that a &#8220;brush&#8221; could mean a toothbrush, rather than a hairbrush because it makes more sense in the context. Secondly, gestalt language processing helps children to identify the subject and object of a sentence correctly and understand how they relate to each other. This skill is especially important for comprehension and expression of complex sentences. Finally, Gestalt language processing supports children&#8217;s ability to form mental models of events or stories, which enhances a child\u2019s narrative skills and creativity.<\/p>\n<p>Research suggests that gestalt and configural processing may be areas of strength for some autistic children, providing a unique window into their cognitive and learning potential, if harnessed effectively. Understanding and addressing gestalt language processing is therefore key to empowering autistic children.<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_404u857 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9g8l391   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"gross-motor\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>Ways to Identify a Gestalt Language Processor<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_p7r5295   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h4><strong>Long<\/strong><strong> scripts:<\/strong><\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1s9u240   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>Repeating long scripts that they may have heard from TV shows, videos, movies, books, songs, communicative partners, etc\u2026 after a delay. It\u2019s a chunk of language that is said in the same way each time. These can be said in or out of context.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><em> \u201cIf you give a mouse a cookie!\u201d Child may say this every time they want a snack or they are hungry. This comes from their favorite book, \u201cIf You Give a Mouse a Cookie\u201d.<\/em><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_sqkm657   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h4><strong>RICH INTONATION:<\/strong><\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_d1se572   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory-3\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>Gestalt language processors have been called \u201cintonation babies\u201d. Often, GLP\u2019s are attracted to high intonation and emotion of utterances. Sometimes, when a child uses rich intonation, it may be difficult to understand what they are trying to say, but that is where our detective work comes in! Often, the intonation gives a clue into the source of their utterance. For example, it might sound like a line from their favorite song, book or movie.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><em> \u201cClean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere.\u201d Child says this with the same intonation pattern and emotion that their teacher\/parent uses every time a transition is coming. The child is often using this gestalt to communicate that they want to do something different.<\/em><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_l998463   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p><strong>UNINTELLIGIBLE &amp; LONG STRINGS OF LANGUAGE:<\/strong><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_tpzm812   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory-3-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>This is frequently mislabeled as \u201cjargon\u201d because you are unable to understand what the child is saying. However, if we tap into that inner detective, you can hear that these long strings of unintelligible language are gestalts coming from a source (ex: TV shows, movies, videos, song, books, etc.). These longer utterances are often unintelligible because the child has a harder time hearing the word as a unit, so it sounds like it is all blended together into one string, to someone who is unfamiliar to their gestalts and gestalt language processing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><i> \u201c\u2026busgoroundnround.\u201d The child is saying \u201c\u2026Bus go round and round\u201d (from their <\/i><i>favorite song, \u201cWheels on the Bus\u201d), although it may be difficult to understand this string of <\/i><i>language.<\/i><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fxik796   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h4>SINGLE WORDS:<\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fbg3963   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory-3-2-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>Child is able to label or name items and may respond with single words to prompts and\/or questions, but these single words are \u201cstuck.\u201d These children are often the most difficult to recognize as gestalt language processors. When the child is stuck using single words gestalts, they have difficulty combining single words with other words in order to expand their utterance length.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><i> \u201cball\u201d Child says this every time they see a ball or any round object (ex: an orange is also c<\/i><i>alled \u201cball\u201d). This single word now has a much larger meaning and now is used to label every <\/i><i>round object. It is difficult for the child to build upon this single word (ex: \u201cwhite ball\u201d, \u201cbig ball\u201d, <\/i><i>etc.)<\/i><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .subrow_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .themify_builder_sub_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-css_id=\"s78s776\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth tb_s78s776 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ckmn777 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_z2zm194  repeat \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">What are the stages of gestalt language development?<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you are curious to learn more about the six stages of gestalt language development, please click the button below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_zxd7414 buttons-horizontal solid  small rounded\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_inline_b\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/what-is-gestalt-language-processing\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tb_default_color\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tf_inline_b tf_vmiddle\">Stages of Gestalt Language Development <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_s0t6760 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_mm7j760 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_0cj0931   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding-3\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3><strong>Strategies and Interventions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>There are several ways parents, educators, and therapists can support gestalt language processing in young children. Firstly, it is essential to expose children to rich linguistic input that contains diverse sentence structures, vocabulary, and contextual cues. Reading books, telling stories, and using multisensory teaching methods are effective ways to achieve this. Secondly, providing opportunities for children to engage in interactive and cooperative language-rich activities such as child-led play, role-play, dialogues, and games can enhance their social language skills and gestalt perception. Thirdly, giving feedback and modeling language that highlights relationships and patterns, such as using conjunctions, prepositions, and connectors, can strengthen children&#8217;s gestalt language processing.<\/p>\n<p>Supporting gestalt language processing in autistic children requires a multi-faceted approach, involving parents, educators, and speech therapists. Here are some strategies and interventions that have shown promise:<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i9gv378   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h4>Speech &amp; Language Therapy and Language Interventions<\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1ho8132   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p>Speech &amp; language therapy can be particularly effective in targeting gestalt language processing difficulties. Making sure your speech language pathologist (SLP) is trained in Gestalt language processing is very important when supporting your child.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_852i787   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h4>Parent and Professional Tips<\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_uoju956   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding-2-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <ul>\n<li><strong>Child-Led &amp; Directed:<\/strong> Allow the child to lead. Go with the flow of their direction and engage in the things they are interested in. Play with what the child wants to play with and model language naturally during play.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Real-life Contexts:<\/strong> Model language skills in the context of everyday activities that the child enjoys and can relate to.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Model Appropriate Language Use:<\/strong> Model and teach language in various social contexts. Make sure this feels natural. If it doesn\u2019t, hold off and try again another time. Modeling language during play should always feel natural.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t Eliminate Gestalts.<\/strong> The child\u2019s gestalts (scripts) are a way of communication. Gestalt language processing is natural language development, which makes the child\u2019s gestalts meaningful. Acknowledging the child\u2019s gestalts empowers them that their communication is meaningful and valid. Building rapport and trust as communicative partners is so important when supporting children\u2019s development.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Acknowledge Scripts &amp; Validate them as Communication.<\/strong> Whether you know the meaning yet or not, you can and should always be validating the child. You can repeat the script back, smile, nod your head, etc.. to let the child know their communication was heard and is valid.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Become a Detective:<\/strong> Do the work and try to figure out what the child\u2019s gestalt (script) means. Even if you think you know what it means, model what you think your child is trying to say. Keep trying until you get it right, and trust me you will, because you will get that \u201ca-ha\u201d magical moment from your child, where they will show you that you got it! Most gestalts aren\u2019t going to be literal, so ask your questions to dig deeper into the meaning of what the child really means. Some important questions to consider: What sources is the child exposed to frequently? Which source is this gestalt coming from? Is the script used at certain times of day or around certain situations? What is my child\u2019s body language like? (there are so many more questions that arise when we dig deeper)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Do NOT Ask Questions:<\/strong> Asking questions frequently can become frustrating for the child, and for you too! Most GLP\u2019s begin answering questions when they begin self-generating language, which is around stages 3 and on. So instead, try commenting, narrating and pausing. When we do this, we are giving our child a mitigable model that they can use in the future!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Create a Supportive &amp; Knowledge Team:<\/strong> If you are a parent, find a team who understands, acknowledges and accepts your child\u2019s language development in order to better support you and your child. SLPs will be able to identify if your child is a gestalt language processor, as well as help identify the stages they may be in and ways to support your child through the stages as they move to self-generated language.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_fj6a36 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_0hu616   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>Case Studies and Success Stories<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Real-life examples and success stories can provide hope and inspiration for families and educators of children with autism. By sharing these narratives, we aim to showcase the impact that understanding and addressing gestalt language processing can have on a child&#8217;s overall development.<\/p>\n<p>Below is a story about one of our shining stars that has blossomed using their unique strengths and their learning style to empower their voice:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cSince starting with Valued Voices, I have seen truly remarkable growth in her ability to communicate meaningfully. When we first started, she mostly communicated in memorized phrases from her favorite movies, tv shows, and books. She could not answer simple questions. Now, she communicates wants and needs clearly, answers questions, and is starting to hold conversations. Identifying her as a gestalt language processor has also helped me to better understand the way her brain works and as a result, enables me to communicate with her more effectively. Working with your team has truly been life changing for my daughter and our little family. You all understand her and have helped me to understand her as well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_4sy3300 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_svc9590   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding-4-2\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>The Transformative Power of Consistent Support<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>By understanding how children perceive and organize language based on patterns and relationships, parents, educators, and therapists can enhance their language skills, social communication, and overall learning. Consistent and structured support at home and at school can make an extraordinary difference.<\/p>\n<p>At Valued Voices, we believe the biggest success comes when we focus on a child\u2019s strength and work as a team to empower their voice and their independence. We not only provide services, one-on-one in our center, but we provide group classes, sessions in the community and sessions in your kiddo\u2019s school to support you and your family in all environments. We also understand that as parents, you are your child\u2019s greatest teacher and need attention, so we offer support groups for parents and parent coaching classes.<\/p>\n<p>By providing diverse and engaging linguistic input, interactive opportunities, and feedback that emphasizes context and acknowledges unique strengths, children can develop their language in a natural and meaningful way.<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_qzet868 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_f4od723   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding-4\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3>Bringing it all Together<\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Gestalt language processing is a fascinating and important aspect of early language development that deserves more attention and support. By delving into the realm of gestalt language processing in autistic children, and appreciating the beauty and complexity of language, we have uncovered a critical aspect of their language development that warrants attention and understanding. As parents and educators, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the strengths and challenges that gestalt language processing presents. Embracing these differences and guiding our little ones, can unlock a child\u2019s deepest potential and empower them to raise their voice.<\/p>\n<p>We hope this blog post has shed light on the topic of gestalt language processing as a natural way of developing language in children, and provided valuable insights for those supporting these exceptional humans. Encouraging an open dialogue and the exchange of experiences within this community can further advance our collective knowledge and approach to language processing, especially in autistic children. The journey of language development is as unique as the children themselves, and by fostering an environment of understanding, patience, and tailored support, we set the stage for growth and success.<\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_rs9i760 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script src=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script>\n<a class=\"book_a_free_consult\" href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_a910277 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_3ze8277 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ffo9228   image-top tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n\t\t    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-265\" title=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar-min\" alt=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n    \t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_wpyu277 last\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_bqqh294   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <div class=\"module module-text tb_r8ed333\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_myfh459\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h2><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">SHOLEH SHAHINFAR<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_sjrp460\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h5><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_d1f7715 tf_w tf_clearfix hide-desktop hide-tablet hide-tablet_landscape hide-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_middle col_auto_height tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_703m715 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_t2p6792   image-top tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n\t\t    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-596\" title=\"Genna-2\" alt=\"Genna\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp 879w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-220x300.webp 220w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-750x1024.webp 750w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-768x1048.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n    \t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_lw7r106 last\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hnnf974   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <div class=\"module module-text tb_r8ed333\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h2><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">GENNA HENDERSON<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_lvuq003\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<p>Genna has been with Valued Voices since 2019, she joined the family after graduating with her bachelor\u2019s degree in sociology and a minor in communication sciences and disorders from Pacific University in Oregon. Genna has always been passionate about helping give opportunities to others and believes all children have a joyous light inside them that deserves to be shown to the world. She knows that giving people the chance to express themselves allows them to reach new heights internally and in their communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress-717089-3571350.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Oral_Motor_Intervention-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,7,6],"tags":[436,442,421,448,434,435,446,142,158,447,66,449,432,444,29,437,33,450],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children | Valued Voices<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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processing.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children | Valued Voices","og_description":"This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing.","og_url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/","og_site_name":"Valued Voices Therapy","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/valuedvoicestherapy\/","article_published_time":"2024-03-27T08:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-03-27T16:12:53+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1254,"height":836,"url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gestalt-Language-Processing.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sholeh Shahinfar","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sholeh Shahinfar","Est. reading time":"22 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/"},"author":{"name":"Sholeh Shahinfar","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/350e58a3e110f80b02b08134e8d2046e"},"headline":"Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children: A Comprehensive Guide","datePublished":"2024-03-27T08:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-27T16:12:53+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/"},"wordCount":2409,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gestalt-Language-Processing.jpg","keywords":["autistic children","brain","development","educators","gestalt","gestalt language processing","grammer","guide","language","language acquisition","language development","natural","neurodivergent","neurotypical","parents","patterns","speech","together"],"articleSection":["Child Communication Development","Occupational Therapy","Speech Therapy"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/","name":"Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children | Valued Voices","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gestalt-Language-Processing.jpg","datePublished":"2024-03-27T08:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-27T16:12:53+00:00","description":"This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gestalt-Language-Processing.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Gestalt-Language-Processing.jpg","width":1254,"height":836,"caption":"Gestalt Language Processing"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/gestalt-language-processing-in-autistic-children-a-comprehensive-guide\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children: A Comprehensive Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/","name":"Valued Voices","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization","name":"Valued Voices","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Valued-Voices-Logo-img-1.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Valued-Voices-Logo-img-1.webp","width":320,"height":60,"caption":"Valued Voices"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/valuedvoicestherapy\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/valuedvoices\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sholeh-shahinfar-2351555b\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/350e58a3e110f80b02b08134e8d2046e","name":"Sholeh Shahinfar","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/196ebff498e71461b2cbc4e79331af0d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/196ebff498e71461b2cbc4e79331af0d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Sholeh Shahinfar"},"url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/author\/sholeh\/"}]}},"builder_content":"<p>Understanding language processing in children is a complex and multi-faceted experience that starts developing in early childhood. It involves not just the understanding of words and grammar but also the perception of sound, vision, and social cues. One aspect of language processing that is gaining attention among researchers, educators, and therapists is Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), also referred to as the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. GLP refers to how children perceive and organize language based on patterns and relationships, rather than isolated words or phrases. Gestalt language processing has emerged as a crucial component of language development in autistic children, yet it remains lesser-known among the general public.<\/p> <p>This blog post aims to familiarize parents and educators of autistic children with the intricacies of gestalt language processing. We will explore the definition of gestalt language processing, the unique opportunities it presents, effective strategies that can be employed to support children, and inspiring case studies that highlight the potential for growth and development as we support and empower our gestalt language processors!<\/p>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<a href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n\n<h3>What is Gestalt Language Processing?<\/h3>\n<p>Gestalt theory or Gestalt psychology, first introduced in the early 20th century, refers to the concept of holistic perception, which means that our mind tends to perceive objects or patterns as a whole, rather than as a collection of individual parts. In language processing, Gestalt theory suggests that children perceive the meaning of a sentence or a phrase based on its structure, coherence, and context, rather than just the sum of its words. For instance, if a child hears the sentence \"The cat chased the mouse,\" they may understand the meaning of the whole sentence, rather than just the individual words. Gestalt language processing is, therefore, a natural way of understanding language, as it matches the way our brain processes information.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Gestalt Language Processing in Autism<\/h3>\n<p>Most autistic children are likely gestalt language processors, however, both neurotypical and neurodivergent children can develop language in this way. There are six stages of gestalt language development, and although some may require support across all stages, some children may not. Just like analytic language processors, gestalt language processors can also be delayed in their language development.<\/p> <p>Researchers have found that gestalt language processing is crucial for multiple aspects of early language development in autistic children. Firstly, it helps children to infer the meaning of new words based on the context they are used in. For example, if a child hears the sentence \"She brushed her teeth with a brush,\" they may guess that a \"brush\" could mean a toothbrush, rather than a hairbrush because it makes more sense in the context. Secondly, gestalt language processing helps children to identify the subject and object of a sentence correctly and understand how they relate to each other. This skill is especially important for comprehension and expression of complex sentences. Finally, Gestalt language processing supports children's ability to form mental models of events or stories, which enhances a child\u2019s narrative skills and creativity.<\/p> <p>Research suggests that gestalt and configural processing may be areas of strength for some autistic children, providing a unique window into their cognitive and learning potential, if harnessed effectively. Understanding and addressing gestalt language processing is therefore key to empowering autistic children.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Ways to Identify a Gestalt Language Processor<\/h3>\n<h4><strong>Long<\/strong><strong> scripts:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Repeating long scripts that they may have heard from TV shows, videos, movies, books, songs, communicative partners, etc\u2026 after a delay. It\u2019s a chunk of language that is said in the same way each time. These can be said in or out of context.<\/p> <p><strong>Example:<\/strong><em> \u201cIf you give a mouse a cookie!\u201d Child may say this every time they want a snack or they are hungry. This comes from their favorite book, \u201cIf You Give a Mouse a Cookie\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><strong>RICH INTONATION:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Gestalt language processors have been called \u201cintonation babies\u201d. Often, GLP\u2019s are attracted to high intonation and emotion of utterances. Sometimes, when a child uses rich intonation, it may be difficult to understand what they are trying to say, but that is where our detective work comes in! Often, the intonation gives a clue into the source of their utterance. For example, it might sound like a line from their favorite song, book or movie.<\/p> <p><strong>Example:<\/strong><em> \u201cClean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere.\u201d Child says this with the same intonation pattern and emotion that their teacher\/parent uses every time a transition is coming. The child is often using this gestalt to communicate that they want to do something different.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>UNINTELLIGIBLE &amp; LONG STRINGS OF LANGUAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is frequently mislabeled as \u201cjargon\u201d because you are unable to understand what the child is saying. However, if we tap into that inner detective, you can hear that these long strings of unintelligible language are gestalts coming from a source (ex: TV shows, movies, videos, song, books, etc.). These longer utterances are often unintelligible because the child has a harder time hearing the word as a unit, so it sounds like it is all blended together into one string, to someone who is unfamiliar to their gestalts and gestalt language processing.<\/p> <p><strong>Example:<\/strong><i> \u201c\u2026busgoroundnround.\u201d The child is saying \u201c\u2026Bus go round and round\u201d (from their <\/i><i>favorite song, \u201cWheels on the Bus\u201d), although it may be difficult to understand this string of <\/i><i>language.<\/i><\/p>\n<h4>SINGLE WORDS:<\/h4>\n<p>Child is able to label or name items and may respond with single words to prompts and\/or questions, but these single words are \u201cstuck.\u201d These children are often the most difficult to recognize as gestalt language processors. When the child is stuck using single words gestalts, they have difficulty combining single words with other words in order to expand their utterance length.<\/p> <p><strong>Example:<\/strong><i> \u201cball\u201d Child says this every time they see a ball or any round object (ex: an orange is also c<\/i><i>alled \u201cball\u201d). This single word now has a much larger meaning and now is used to label every <\/i><i>round object. It is difficult for the child to build upon this single word (ex: \u201cwhite ball\u201d, \u201cbig ball\u201d, <\/i><i>etc.)<\/i><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">What are the stages of gestalt language development?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you are curious to learn more about the six stages of gestalt language development, please click the button below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/what-is-gestalt-language-processing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Stages of Gestalt Language Development <\/a>\n<h3><strong>Strategies and Interventions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There are several ways parents, educators, and therapists can support gestalt language processing in young children. Firstly, it is essential to expose children to rich linguistic input that contains diverse sentence structures, vocabulary, and contextual cues. Reading books, telling stories, and using multisensory teaching methods are effective ways to achieve this. Secondly, providing opportunities for children to engage in interactive and cooperative language-rich activities such as child-led play, role-play, dialogues, and games can enhance their social language skills and gestalt perception. Thirdly, giving feedback and modeling language that highlights relationships and patterns, such as using conjunctions, prepositions, and connectors, can strengthen children's gestalt language processing.<\/p> <p>Supporting gestalt language processing in autistic children requires a multi-faceted approach, involving parents, educators, and speech therapists. Here are some strategies and interventions that have shown promise:<\/p>\n<h4>Speech &amp; Language Therapy and Language Interventions<\/h4>\n<p>Speech &amp; language therapy can be particularly effective in targeting gestalt language processing difficulties. Making sure your speech language pathologist (SLP) is trained in Gestalt language processing is very important when supporting your child.<\/p>\n<h4>Parent and Professional Tips<\/h4>\n<ul> <li><strong>Child-Led &amp; Directed:<\/strong> Allow the child to lead. Go with the flow of their direction and engage in the things they are interested in. Play with what the child wants to play with and model language naturally during play.<\/li> <li><strong>Real-life Contexts:<\/strong> Model language skills in the context of everyday activities that the child enjoys and can relate to.<\/li> <li><strong>Model Appropriate Language Use:<\/strong> Model and teach language in various social contexts. Make sure this feels natural. If it doesn\u2019t, hold off and try again another time. Modeling language during play should always feel natural.<\/li> <li> <p><strong>Don\u2019t Eliminate Gestalts.<\/strong> The child\u2019s gestalts (scripts) are a way of communication. Gestalt language processing is natural language development, which makes the child\u2019s gestalts meaningful. Acknowledging the child\u2019s gestalts empowers them that their communication is meaningful and valid. Building rapport and trust as communicative partners is so important when supporting children\u2019s development.<\/p> <\/li> <li> <p><strong>Acknowledge Scripts &amp; Validate them as Communication.<\/strong> Whether you know the meaning yet or not, you can and should always be validating the child. You can repeat the script back, smile, nod your head, etc.. to let the child know their communication was heard and is valid.<\/p> <\/li> <li> <p><strong>Become a Detective:<\/strong> Do the work and try to figure out what the child\u2019s gestalt (script) means. Even if you think you know what it means, model what you think your child is trying to say. Keep trying until you get it right, and trust me you will, because you will get that \u201ca-ha\u201d magical moment from your child, where they will show you that you got it! Most gestalts aren\u2019t going to be literal, so ask your questions to dig deeper into the meaning of what the child really means. Some important questions to consider: What sources is the child exposed to frequently? Which source is this gestalt coming from? Is the script used at certain times of day or around certain situations? What is my child\u2019s body language like? (there are so many more questions that arise when we dig deeper)<\/p> <\/li> <li> <p><strong>Do NOT Ask Questions:<\/strong> Asking questions frequently can become frustrating for the child, and for you too! Most GLP\u2019s begin answering questions when they begin self-generating language, which is around stages 3 and on. So instead, try commenting, narrating and pausing. When we do this, we are giving our child a mitigable model that they can use in the future!<\/p> <\/li> <li> <p><strong>Create a Supportive &amp; Knowledge Team:<\/strong> If you are a parent, find a team who understands, acknowledges and accepts your child\u2019s language development in order to better support you and your child. SLPs will be able to identify if your child is a gestalt language processor, as well as help identify the stages they may be in and ways to support your child through the stages as they move to self-generated language.<\/p> <\/li> <\/ul>\n\n<h3>Case Studies and Success Stories<\/h3>\n<p>Real-life examples and success stories can provide hope and inspiration for families and educators of children with autism. By sharing these narratives, we aim to showcase the impact that understanding and addressing gestalt language processing can have on a child's overall development.<\/p> <p>Below is a story about one of our shining stars that has blossomed using their unique strengths and their learning style to empower their voice:<\/p> <p><em>\u201cSince starting with Valued Voices, I have seen truly remarkable growth in her ability to communicate meaningfully. When we first started, she mostly communicated in memorized phrases from her favorite movies, tv shows, and books. She could not answer simple questions. Now, she communicates wants and needs clearly, answers questions, and is starting to hold conversations. Identifying her as a gestalt language processor has also helped me to better understand the way her brain works and as a result, enables me to communicate with her more effectively. Working with your team has truly been life changing for my daughter and our little family. You all understand her and have helped me to understand her as well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n<h3>The Transformative Power of Consistent Support<\/h3>\n<p>By understanding how children perceive and organize language based on patterns and relationships, parents, educators, and therapists can enhance their language skills, social communication, and overall learning. Consistent and structured support at home and at school can make an extraordinary difference.<\/p> <p>At Valued Voices, we believe the biggest success comes when we focus on a child\u2019s strength and work as a team to empower their voice and their independence. We not only provide services, one-on-one in our center, but we provide group classes, sessions in the community and sessions in your kiddo\u2019s school to support you and your family in all environments. We also understand that as parents, you are your child\u2019s greatest teacher and need attention, so we offer support groups for parents and parent coaching classes.<\/p> <p>By providing diverse and engaging linguistic input, interactive opportunities, and feedback that emphasizes context and acknowledges unique strengths, children can develop their language in a natural and meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Bringing it all Together<\/h3>\n<p>Gestalt language processing is a fascinating and important aspect of early language development that deserves more attention and support. By delving into the realm of gestalt language processing in autistic children, and appreciating the beauty and complexity of language, we have uncovered a critical aspect of their language development that warrants attention and understanding. As parents and educators, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the strengths and challenges that gestalt language processing presents. Embracing these differences and guiding our little ones, can unlock a child\u2019s deepest potential and empower them to raise their voice.<\/p> <p>We hope this blog post has shed light on the topic of gestalt language processing as a natural way of developing language in children, and provided valuable insights for those supporting these exceptional humans. Encouraging an open dialogue and the exchange of experiences within this community can further advance our collective knowledge and approach to language processing, especially in autistic children. The journey of language development is as unique as the children themselves, and by fostering an environment of understanding, patience, and tailored support, we set the stage for growth and success.<\/p>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<a href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg\" title=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar-min\" alt=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/>\n<h2>SHOLEH SHAHINFAR<\/h2>\n<h5>M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT<\/h5> <p>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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp\" title=\"Genna-2\" alt=\"Genna\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp 879w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-220x300.webp 220w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-750x1024.webp 750w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-768x1048.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/>\n<h2>GENNA HENDERSON<\/h2>\n<p>Genna has been with Valued Voices since 2019, she joined the family after graduating with her bachelor\u2019s degree in sociology and a minor in communication sciences and disorders from Pacific University in Oregon. Genna has always been passionate about helping give opportunities to others and believes all children have a joyous light inside them that deserves to be shown to the world. She knows that giving people the chance to express themselves allows them to reach new heights internally and in their communities.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2120"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2120"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2151,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2120\/revisions\/2151"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}