Gestalt Language Processors are often referred to as “intonation babies.” These are children who learn language in whole “units” or strings of words/sounds. Children who use echolalia (the immediate or delayed repetition of language) are often gestalt language processors. As gestalt language processors learn and acquire more language, they progress through the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework. The NLA framework accepts and acknowledges communicative intent of gestalts or echolalia and helps support the child towards unrestricted communication! It is our job as a team to support gestalt language processors and find the underlying meaning to their gestalts. We can’t take these literally and have to do the investigative work! Mary has taken numerous courses and presented on gestalt language processors. She holds her AAC + GLP certification through Meaningful Speech.

To find out more about GLPs and the NLA framework. Please see the link below to the Meaningful Speech resources!