We are lucky enough to work with some of the most unique, expressive, wonderful little human beings you could hope to meet – gestalt language processors. Many people are unfamiliar with that term – don’t worry, it’s just a fancy way of saying that some kids learn language in chunks or ‘scripts’ rather than word by word. It’s a totally natural and valid way of learning to talk.
These are the kids who might quote whole YouTube clips, TV shows, stories, songs and conversations they have previously heard. It so often feels that what they are saying doesn’t fit the moment, but here’s the thing. They really are communicating, using what language they have got to connect with you. We love that.
When we ask parents, “Have you heard of gestalt language processing?”We often get a blank look until we describe it. And suddenly things make sense – “Yes, that’s my child!” Next comes a huge sense of relief, because now there is a why. And with that understanding comes so much more compassion, clarity and direction. Now we know what to do.
There is so much joy in working with GLPs. Their creativity, their spark, their unique way of seeing the world. When you learn to tune in differently, to really listen and understand the meaning behind the scripts, is when you hear what they are trying to say. And that’s when the connection happens. Like magic. It can change everything.
If we are being honest, it can also be really tough. Especially for older children. These kids want to connect. They want to make friends, join in conversations, and tell jokes. They want to tell you how they are feeling or about something that has happened to them. They yearn to be a part of a world they find so hard to fit into. But they can’t quite piece together the words that they need to do this. So they rely on scripts. Scripts that are comforting and familiar – but often don’t make sense to others. This is where the frustration creeps in – for them and for us.
We see what they are trying to do and we feel how much they want to be heard. So what must we do? Meet them where they are. Sometimes we can figure out what they are trying to say. Sometimes we can’t. But we stay with them. We may not understand the words, but we understand the intent and that is to be heard and to connect. We sit in their world, no pressure, just presence. No rushing, no correcting. We’ve seen the powerful impact that this form of acceptance can have.
As a team, we have been determined to learn all we can about GLP, investing considerable time in ensuring we understand how to support you. We want our families and settings to trust that we know how to identify when your child is a GLP, and promote your understanding of it. The best bit is when we get to put our knowledge into practice and join you and your child on their journey to self-generated language.
So we will continue to advocate for all those little and not so little people that are not yet seen and heard as they should be. Gestalt language processing is natural and beautiful. It’s a unique path to communication. But my goodness, it can be a hard one.
So to all our GLPs – we see you, we hear you. And to our GLP parents, thank you for your endless love, acceptance, trust and hard work.
If you would like to learn more about Gestalt Language Processing and how you can help your child we have an upcoming online training with Zoe on 30th July at 1:00. We would love to support you on your journey. Please contact us to book your place.
