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LANGUAGE
Language refers to the communication of a message. A message can be communicated in various ways such as using words, gestures and symbols. People may say words with their mouth, use sign language, point to or show pictures, use communication apps on a device like an iPad (check out the AAC page to learn more) - all are equally valid ways to use language and communicate.
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A child with language difficulties may have troubles communicating their wants and needs, commenting on the world around them, asking and answering questions, and have difficulty following instructions or responding appropriately to what has been said.
Children may have a language delay/difference due to a medical diagnosis such as Global Developmental Delay, Autism or Down Syndrome, they may be a 'late talker' (a child between 18-30 months who has good understanding of language and is developing typically in other areas), or the cause of the child's language difficulties may be unknown.
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There are two ways which people develop language; they can either be an analytic language processor or gestalt language processor. It is important to determine how your child processes language as this will determine the intervention approach used to support their language development.
Analytic Language Processing
Analytic language processors acquire and use single words, at around 12 months, and then will begin to join words together to make small phrases (around 18-24 months). Their phrases build in length and complexity until they are producing longer and (mostly) grammatically correct sentences, at around 5 years old, and are able to hold a longer conversation.
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It can be worrying and frustrating (for both you and your child) if your child isn't talking or talking like the majority of their same aged peers.
Get in touch is you think you child would benefit from some support.
Check out the following to learn more about how to support your child's language development
On Instagram?
- Zazi Plays
- Raising Little Talkers
- Playhouseslt
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Listen to podcasts?
- SLP Talk Show with Cari Ebert
Gestalt Language Processing
Gestalt language processors communicate through delayed echolalia (echolalia is the repetition of previously heard words/phrases). Research tells us that at least 85% of Autistic people are gestalt language processors and learn language this way. Neurotypical children can also be gestalt language processors although it is less prevalent and can go undetected.
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Indicators that your child may be a gestalt language processor include:
- Repeating lines from movies, TV shows, books, songs
- Using rich intonation when speaking, even if they cannot be understood
- Using some single words but seem stuck at this stage and is not moving on to combine these words to make short phrases
- Not yet using words but sings or hums rhythmically
- Difficulty answering questions
- Repeating the same words/phrases over and over, and/or watching the same scene from a TV show or movie over and over
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An intervention approach called the Natural Language Acquistion (NLA) guides our approach when working with gestalt language processors. I am an NLA trained clinician through the Meaningful Speech program.
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It can be confusing if your child can name colours and shapes, can sing songs and repeat things they have heard but does not seem to respond or talk to you.
If you would like to talk about your child and gestalt language processing further, please be in touch.
Check out the following to learn more about gestalt language processing
On Instagram?
- Meaningful Speech
- Boho Speechie
- Spins and Stomps
- Playhouseslt
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Listen to podcasts?
- The Gestalt Get-Together: GLP, NLA, and Musical Language, Corinne Zmoos