Autism & Gestalt Language Processing

Did you know that most autistic children are Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs)? This means that they initially learn language in larger chunks or phrases called "gestalts” as opposed to single words. Gestalts can be as short as one word, or as long as an entire movie— anything that was previously heard from people, movies, video clips, books, or songs! Speech therapy for Gestalt Language Processors will focus on:

• Affirming your child's existing gestalts

• Modeling new potential gestalts

• Laying the foundation for your child to begin using novel, self-generated language

BG Speech Therapy uses the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Framework to help your child develop their language. We also use neurodiversity-affirming practices which accept and celebrate your child for who they are by honoring their sensory needs and activity preferences!