Pronoun Reversal & Gestalt Language Processing

Pronoun reversal refers to when a child mixes up pronouns while communicating. They might refer to themselves in the third person (e.g., "he," "she," "they," or "you") or by their name. They may also refer to others in the first person (e.g., “I,” “me,” “my”). This phenomenon is especially common among gestalt language processors in the early stages of language development.

“When a kid picks up the entire gestalt (script) he’s got the pronoun of the original speaker. So ‘pronoun reversal’ is nothing more than that.” - Marge Blanc, Author of Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum and founder of the Communication Development Center

Because gestalt language processors acquire language in chunks rather than individual words, they do not initially process the grammatical function of each word within a gestalt. Instead, they repeat phrases exactly as they have heard them, including the pronouns within those phrases. This is why pronoun reversal is not an error but rather a common characteristic of early stage gestalt language development.

Pronouns & Early Gestalt Language Processors

It is very common in the early stages of gestalt language development for it to appear as though a child is struggling with pronouns. However, this is a misconception—what they are actually doing is repeating language exactly as they originally heard it.

Since early-stage gestalt language processors do not yet analyze individual words within a phrase, they are unable to swap pronouns appropriately. This means that if they originally heard the phrase “You want a cookie,” they may continue using that phrase exactly as is, even when referring to themselves. This can sometimes be confusing for caregivers and professionals unfamiliar with gestalt language processing. However, it is important to remember that this is a natural stage in their language development.

Rather than attempting to correct pronoun usage, our role is to provide appropriate language models that will support their natural progression toward self-generated speech.

How Can We Support Early Stage Gestalt Language Processors?

1. Do Not Correct or Target Pronouns in Stages 1-3

Pronouns (and grammar in general) should not be a focus for gestalt language processors in the early stages. Instead, we should prioritize modeling language based on the stage they’re in. We cannot rush natural language development and focusing on pronouns is something that early stage gestalt language processors are not developmentally ready for. Pronouns will naturally resolve as a child progresses into Stages 4+ or they may be a grammar target you focus on in these later stages when they’re developmentally ready to do so, based on the Developmental Sentence Scoring by Laura Lee. More information on goals and language sampling and scoring can be found HERE. We dive in-depth into data collection in our courses using video language sample examples and practice scoring these samples. 

Correcting pronouns too early can actually be counterproductive. Since these children are not yet analyzing language at the word level, direct corrections can cause confusion and frustration. Instead, allowing them to process and develop language naturally will lead to more meaningful and independent language use later on.

2.  Be patient and trust the process. 

Gestalt language processing follows predictable stages (although they aren’t always linear)  just like analytic language development. We need to figure out which stage a child is mainly communicating in and support them based on where they’re at. We do this through spontaneous language samples and scoring using the Natural Language Acquisition (Blanc, 2012) protocol. 

3. Avoid Pronouns Like "You" and "You're" in the Early Stages

Since gestalt language processors repeat language exactly as they hear it, using phrases with “you” may lead to continued pronoun reversal. Instead, we should model language from the child’s perspective or use joint perspectives.

Example:
Instead of saying: "Are you thirsty?"
Try: "I’m thirsty!" or "Let’s get some water."

What's the Takeaway? 

Pronoun reversal is a natural and common part of gestalt language development. Rather than viewing it as an error, we should understand it as a reflection of how gestalt language processors acquire language—through picking up and using language verbatim. By focusing on modeling language from the child’s  perspective or a joint perspective and waiting until they are developmentally ready for pronoun goals, we can provide meaningful support and avoid time spent on correcting” something that isn’t necessary.

Instead of correcting pronouns in Stages 1-3, we should prioritize using language that aligns with the child's developmental stage. As they progress, their understanding of pronouns starts to emerge when they begin breaking down gestalts and self-generating language or this may be a goal that you choose for the child in the later stages when they’re ready for those goals. 

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.