Gestalt Language Processing: How to Know If Your Child is a GLP and What to Do About It
I still remember the moment my son said his first word. He was just nine months old, sitting in his high chair in our kitchen, when suddenly, he said:
“Mama.”
I instantly cried.
But it wasn’t because I was excited that he was hitting milestones. At that point, I had no idea he wasn’t hitting them.
Jake was born on March 3, 2020, and by December, we were still deep in the pandemic. Our time with other children was scarce, except for a few outdoor meetups. From what I could tell, he had been meeting every milestone. Or so I thought.
After that one special evening, the next "words" he used weren’t the typical “cookie” or “milk.” Instead, he fixated on license plates, addresses, and letters.
At 12 months, his pediatrician asked me if he was talking—using words like cookie or milk.
I remember thinking, Cookie? That’s a hard word. No, he isn’t saying those words.
I left that appointment sweating under my mask, wondering:
"Is something going on?"
Now, having a neurotypical 2.5-year-old, I understand just how typical those words—cookie, ball, mama—are at 12 months. With my second child, there was no question of whether those words would come. But back then, with Jake, I had no idea that what we were experiencing was different.
I’m not the type to sit and wait, especially when I hear that there’s something that could support my child’s development. But I let it go—for a month.
Then, at 13 months, we went to an outdoor birthday party. I watched as all the other babies played together, but my son? He crawled away, doing his own thing.
"Jake!" I called. No response.
"Jake!!" Still, nothing.
I kept trying to bring him back to play, but he wanted to be on his own. As we walked back to the car, I turned to my husband and said, "I think something is up."
Four weeks later, we were working with California’s Regional Center. Jake qualified for occupational therapy and behavioral therapy—specifically for functional language support since he was too young for speech therapy.
From 14 to 18 months, he was in early intervention in California before we moved to Georgia. When we got here, we didn’t start therapies right away, but after a few months, it became clear that support was still needed.
Discovering Gestalt Language Processing
Jake worked with a wonderful traditional speech therapist for a while, but we weren’t seeing much progress. One day, she said to me:
"Have you heard of Gestalt Language Processing? I’m pretty sure Jake is a GLP."
And suddenly, everything began to make sense.
We found a therapist who specialized in GLP and understood hyperlexia—someone who truly recognized how these two traits worked together. The difference was life-changing. Instead of trying to force language in a way that didn’t make sense for Jake, we were finally working with his brain rather than against it.
At 2 years old, we realized Jake was already reading. The first word he ever wrote and read was RED. At the time, we didn’t fully understand what this meant, but looking back, it was an early sign of hyperlexia—a trait that often goes hand-in-hand with Gestalt Language Processing.
What Is Gestalt Language Processing?
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is an alternative way of acquiring language. Instead of learning single words first, GLPs memorize entire phrases (or "gestalts") and later break them down into smaller parts as they develop language flexibility.
For example, a child who is an analytical language processor might learn:
“Juice.”
Then, “Want juice.”
Then, “I want some juice.”
A GLP child might instead say:
“Do you want some juice?” (Because they heard that phrase in context)
Later, they may extract parts of that phrase and say, “Want some juice.”
Eventually, they develop into more flexible speech: “I want juice.”
GLP is common in autistic children, though not exclusive to autism. Recognizing GLP can help you better support communication in a way that feels natural rather than forcing a more traditional approach.
How We Support Jake’s Communication
After discovering GLP, we started using strategies tailored to his needs, including:
1. Working with a GLP Specialist
Jake’s communication goals go through a GLP specialist to ensure that everyone on his support team is aligned. This allows us to focus on his strengths and natural learning style, making sure his therapies are truly beneficial instead of frustrating.
2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Jake now uses an iPad with the TouchChat app for communication. Since he can read, this method works well for him—it gives him a way to express himself beyond scripted language.
3. Whiteboards, Captions, & Visual Charts
We write things down on a whiteboard, including transitions or next steps. We also turn on the captions while he is watching TV/Movies. Visual charts for routines. This not only supports Gestalt Language Processing but also hyperlexia, as Jake processes written language much more effectively than spoken words.
4. Music Therapy
Jake loves to sing, so in 2025, we started music therapy. One therapist even told us she couldn’t work with himbecause “he won’t stop singing.” Needless to say, we play a lot of music in our house, and we found a therapist who embraces his love of singing instead of trying to suppress it.
How to Support YOUR Gestalt Language Processor
If you suspect your child is a Gestalt Language Processor, the best thing to do is support their natural language development rather than forcing a word-by-word approach. Here’s how:
1. Recognize and Validate Their Language
Instead of trying to stop echolalia, recognize that it is meaningful.
If your child says, “To infinity and beyond!” when they’re excited, acknowledge it: “You’re feeling excited!”
2. Model Functional and Flexible Language
Instead of correcting their phrases, offer simple, natural language they can absorb.
If they say, “Do you want a cookie?” when they mean, “I want a cookie,” you can model: “I want a cookie!”
3. Use Aided Language Input
Speak in simple, meaningful phrases while using gestures or visuals.
Example: When leaving the house, you might say “Let’s go outside” while pointing to the door.
4. Incorporate Music and Songs
Music is often a bridge for GLPs.
If they love singing, you can introduce new phrases through music to encourage language growth.
5. Work with a Gestalt Language Specialist
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) can assess which stage of GLP your child is in and provide strategies for language development. Meaningful Speech has a directory here!
Resources for Gestalt Language Processing
If you’re looking for expert guidance, these specialists are incredible resources:
🎵 Crescendo Communication – SLP specializing in music therapy & GLP
💬 Meaningful Speech – Training & resources for parents & professionals
📖 Marge Blanc – Author of Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum
🗣 Kim Jenkins, Empowered Speech – Expert in GLP & AAC
Need Help Finding the Right Therapist for Your Child?
Did you know that 70-80% of autistic people are Gestalt Language Processors? With that in mind, I am passionate about educating families and helping parents find the right therapists for their children.
So, if any of this sounds familiar—if your child’s speech therapy isn’t working, if they’re scripting all day, or if you just have that gut feeling something isn’t clicking—you’re not alone.
I’ve had so many conversations with parents who feel lost in this process. The truth is, traditional speech therapy isn’t always designed for Gestalt Language Processors, and finding the right therapist can make all the difference.
I help parents connect with neuro-affirming professionals who truly understand GLP, hyperlexia, and how to support communication in a way that works for your child.
If you need guidance, I’m here. Let’s talk about what support might be the best fit for your child.