Gestalt Language Processing

At Speech Ally, we celebrate all the ways children communicate. Some kids develop language by picking up full phrases or sentences—called gestalts—instead of learning one word at a time. These children are known as Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs), and this way of learning language is natural, meaningful, and valid.

Children who are GLPs often use echolalia, repeating familiar phrases from books, shows, or real-life conversations. These “scripts” may seem unusual at first, but they often carry emotion, intention, and connection. With the right support, GLPs move through natural stages of language development—from using long scripts to creating their own flexible, original phrases.

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You might recognize Gestalt Language Processing if your child:

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• Speaks in long scripts or full phrases they’ve heard before
   

• Uses just a few single words and may seem “stuck” at that stage
   

• Has rich, expressive intonation—their speech sounds musical or dramatic
   

• Uses scripts that are hard to understand (unintelligible echolalia), especially when excited or upset
   

Our team includes clinicians trained in the Meaningful Speech approach—a well-respected program for supporting GLPs. Therapy is always child-led, following your child’s interests and communication style. We build connection first, then gently support each child through the stages of language development, honoring their unique voice every step of the way.