How do you know a child is a gestalt language processor?

Different language development requires different language support. The first step in supporting a child’s language development can be identifying what kind of language processor they are. There are many different signs that a child is a gestalt language processor, here are the four most common. 

1. Long Gestalts (often called scripts)

The most recognizable trait of a gestalt language processor is the use of long chunks of language (often called scripts). These children repeat chunks of language that they’ve picked up from various sources, such as movies, TV shows, books, or communication partners. These chunks of language are repeated verbatim, usually with the same intonation in which they heard it and can occur in or out of context. You may have heard the term “gestalt.”  A gestalt is more than just a script, which is why we prefer not to use that term is possible.  A gestalt is intonationally defined, can be long or short and is tied to a meaningful (often emotional or dramatic) experience.  A gestalt often encompasses the whole experience and that’s why we can’t always take the words spoken as literal.

Example: A child might exclaim, “Jumping up and down in muddy puddles!” from the show Peppa Pig every time they want to play outside. They’ve taken this line and linked it to the activity of outdoor play, using the whole gestalt  to communicate the message that they want to go outside. 

2. Single Words

These children may be tricky to recognize. They are able to label or name many items and may respond with single words to questions or prompts but these single words are stuck. They are unable to combine these single words with other words to expand their utterances (a commonly used and taught technique for traditional analytic language processors). We often refer to these as stuck single word gestalts.

Example: A child might say “dog” whenever they see any large pet, hear a song about dogs, or notice the neighbor’s dog. For this child, “dog” has a broader meaning that goes beyond the literal word. However, they’re unable to expand it into “big dog” or “brown dog.” This can make them tricky to identify and is often the reason many gestalt language processors are thought to be analytic language processors. 

Example:  A child might label “blue” everytime they see the color blue.  They can easily identify colors, shapes, letters and words related to special interests (like planets or animals).  However, this child cannot expand upon this label and the single words stay as single words.

3. Rich Intonation

Gestalt language processors are often called “intonation babies” due to their attraction to expressive and highly emotional speech. They are very attuned to the intonation of language and often use the same rhythm and tone as the original source. Even if their gestalts are unintelligible (difficult to understand what they’re trying to say), the intonation they’re using often gives it away. If you tune in, it may sound like a line from their favorite TV show, or a song from their favorite book you always read together.

Example: A child might cheerfully say, “Good morning everybody!” with the same lively intonation that their teacher uses to greet the class each day. They use this phrase with the same upbeat tone, often to start a conversation or attract attention, replicating not just the words but the intonation that accompanied the original phrase.

4. Unintelligible Long Strings of Language

One of the trickiest to determine is when a child uses long, unintelligible strings of language. These children may sound like they’re speaking in “jargon” or gibberish. However, when you listen closely, you might recognize intonation from songs, videos, or shows they enjoy. Some gestalt language processors are unintelligible because they have not motorically “caught up” to the length of gestalts they're using. Their gestalts are too long and they are too young to clearly articulate all of it. As they get older and/or progress through the stages, intelligibility often improves. 

Example: A child might quickly say something like “Whatchagonnado,” sounding like an unintelligible string of language. In reality, they’re repeating a phrase they’ve picked up from a favorite video. The focus in the early stages of gestalt language development is on the intonation (sound stream of language) and not on the individual words (yet).

Still not sure whether they’re a gestalt or analytic language processor?

Language processing is a continuum.  The kids we teach about here fall under the “fully gestalt” end of the continuum.  However, the strategies and techniques we teach are beneficial for all kids. We always recommend that you use strategies that support gestalt language processors if you’re unsure. This is because analytic language processors will take what they need (single words) and gestalt language processors will take what they need (whole phrases) rather than building up a repertoire of single word gestalts and/or taught phrases.

If you’re supporting a non-speaking or minimally speaking child, check out this blog post for signs that they are a gestalt language processor. 

Want to learn more in-depth information about how to support gestalt language processors?

1. There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website. We just released a new FREE masterclass on echolalia and child-led therapy that is perfect for anyone starting their learning journey or on the fence about purchasing our courses! 
2. Consider taking the Meaningful Speech course to learn more about how your child or client processes language, how you can help support them from echolalia to self-generated (original flexible) language, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Looking for something shorter? We have a 1-hour introductory course perfect for extended family, daycare or school staff.
3. Consider taking our AAC + Gestalt Language Processing course. It will teach you how to identify, evaluate and support gestalt language processors who use AAC or who you think might benefit from AAC.
4. Look for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who "gets it" and can help you in supporting your child's language development. Check out our registry for SLPs who understand gestalt language processing and child-led therapy.
5. Are you a school-based or private practice clinician looking for intake forms for new clients/students or creative visual reminder posters for your space? Check out the Meaningful Speech Marketplace. 
6. Want to learn more about starting a niche private practice? Watch our 1-hour webinar on starting a niche private practice hosted by Alex Zachos and Jess Teixeira from the Meaningful Speech team HERE.