Gestalt Language Processing

Speech therapy for children who learn language in scripts and phrases.

Does this sound like your child?
Maybe your child repeats lines from favourite shows, says whole phrases like “let’s go to the park!” to mean something else, or says “do you want a snack?” when they want one. Many autistic children are gestalt language processors, and they learn language in chunks first, then gradually break those chunks down into words they can mix and match. Echolalia is meaningful communication, and it’s an important part of how these children develop language.

Our experience
Since we opened our doors in 2005 we’ve supported children who learn language this way. Our speech-language pathologists were trained to recognize the communicative purpose of echolalia, and several of our clinicians have also completed the Meaningful Speech courses on Gestalt Language Processing,  Echolalia and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and the  AAC for Gestalt Language Processors.

What therapy looks like

• We follow your child’s lead in play and get to know their favourite scripts.
• We figure out what your child’s scripts mean, with your help.
• We model language that matches your child’s stage of development.
• We support AAC alongside speech when it helps your child communicate.

You’re part of it
Parents are part of every session. You know your child’s scripts better than anyone, and we’ll show you how to respond to them and support language at home.

Our approach
We draw on gestalt language processing approaches alongside other evidence-based practices, and we tailor support to each child and family.

Ready to learn more?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with a registered speech-language pathologist. We’ll spend time with your child, learn how they communicate, and talk through next steps together.