Measuring and Tracking Communication Development in Gestalt Language Processors
Gestalt language processing has been gaining more attention in the speech therapy and Autism communities in recent years. Often referred to as echolalia or scripting, gestalt language processing provides a valuable and meaningful way of communicating for many individuals on the spectrum. It allows them to convey their needs, express themselves, and make connections with others in a way that is comfortable and familiar to them by repeating meaningful utterances or reenacting meaningful scenes.
Unfortunately, despite the growing recognition of the prevalence of gestalt language processing, there are not many tools currently available to help speech therapists and parents track data on GLP language development. Traditional assessments and standardized tests are often inadequate measures of language because most were designed by and for people experiencing neurotypical development. For example, expressive communication assessments for very young children focus on so-called prerequisite communication skills - eye contact, joint attention, facial expression/body language, social gestures, and turn-taking - which often look very different in children on the spectrum.
This lack of effective tools can be frustrating for both clinicians and parents, as it makes it difficult to highlight the true strengths and skills of a GLP, determine what specific interventions would be most effective for them, or to measure their progress. Despite the negative consequences previously discussed, this scarcity of adequate tools for measuring GLP progress has some positive effects. For one, it has led to a greater emphasis on collaboration and sharing of information within the speech therapy community, as clinicians, parents, and researchers work together to better understand and support gestalt language processors.
Thankfully, there are some emerging tools and products that show promise in this area. Our new GLP Language Growth Toolkit is designed to help track gestalt language processing in real-time, providing clinicians and parents with valuable insights into a child's communication abilities and progress. Along with the leaders in this area, we hope to help revolutionize the way the field of speech language pathology approaches communication development for all types of learners and provide more effective support for individuals with neurodivergent communication styles. By embracing and affirming the diverse ways in which individuals process language, we can create more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.
If you'd like an easy way to track and analyze the communication skills of the GLPs in your life, you may want to check out our GLP Language Growth Toolkit! This tool was designed to empower speech therapists, researchers, and parents to take their GLP language tracking and analysis to new heights. We are hoping it will help you gain a comprehensive view of individuals’ communication patterns and tailor your interventions accordingly.
