4 Signs Your Child Might Be a Gestalt Language Processor

Are you wondering if your child might be a gestalt language processor? Children who are gestalt language processors develop language by first acquiring longer “chunks” of language (such as phrases and sentences). These “chunks” of language are called gestalts. 

This type of language development is different from analytic language processors, who develop language by first acquiring single words before moving to phrases and sentences. When most people think of children developing language, they think of analytic language processors. However, gestalt language processing is another way that children may develop language. 

Gestalt language processors develop language by first acquiring longer “chunks” of language called gestalts.

As you read this article, please keep in mind that a gestalt language processor may only display some of these characteristics. In some situations, these signs may also apply to an analytic language processor. A qualified speech language pathologist can help you determine how your child specifically develops language. With that in mind, here are some signs that your child might be a gestalt language processor:

#1 - They repeat “chunks” of language they hear.

Gestalt language processors learn and acquire their gestalts through the environment around them. This might look like repeating lines from an episode of their favorite show or repeating something you said last week. This is sometimes called “echolalia.” 

Gestalt language processors often develop gestalts from their favorite media.

For example, maybe your child’s favorite thing to watch is Ms. Rachel on YouTube. When playing, a toy is not working and your child says, “Uh oh! I dropped my toy, this is the uh oh song.” In this case, they’re remembering a longer line from Ms. Rachel, and using it to express that the toy broke (uh-oh!). This leads to the next sign…

#2 - Their language often doesn’t make sense for the current situation.

Oftentimes with gestalt language processors, you have to do some detective work to find out what they are communicating. This is because they acquire gestalts from one context (e.g., a TV show), then use that language they learned in a different situation. 

In the previous example, when the child says,“Uh-oh, I dropped my toy,” it doesn’t initially make sense because the child didn’t drop the toy. Rather, the toy is not working. However, the child might have connected the line from Ms. Rachel with something going wrong, and therefore might really mean, “This toy isn’t working. Can you help me?” 

Gestalt language processors may use language that may not seem to make sense for the current situation.

Even though the gestalt might not make sense initially for the current situation, it’s still important to acknowledge the gestalt and attempt to understand the underlying meaning. This shows the child you are hearing them and want to help.

#3 - Their speech can be hard to understand.

Because gestalt language processors first acquire whole phrases and sentences (vs. single words), their speech might be harder to understand. This is especially true for younger gestalt processors whose motor speech development is often still developing. This can result in lots of “jargon”-like speech (i.e., long strings of sounds that have conversation-like intonation). 

Part of the reason this happens is because gestalt language processors are “intonation babies.” They very quickly pick up on the intonation of the whole phrase or sentence. For example, you might not understand the individual words your child is saying, but realize based on the intonation or melody that they are singing a favorite song. 

#4 - They are drawn to music and language with lots of intonation.

Gestalt language processors in particularly may really enjoy music and using parts of songs to communicate. This is because, as discussed in #3, gestalt language processors are “intonation babies.” They pick up on the melody of the language around them and those longer sentences and phrases. Many of their gestalts might be from songs they’ve heard and loved.

Gestalt language processors are “intonation babies” and pick up on the melody or music of language.

If you are wondering if your child is a gestalt language processor and have any concerns about their language development, the next step would be to find a speech language pathologist trained in the Meaningful Speech NLA Approach (this registry can help you find one). This approach is specifically developed for gestalt language learners. It is different from traditional speech therapy which is often designed more for analytic language processors.

How can I learn more?

Sincere Speech Therapy, LLC offers free 15-minute phone consultations to parents and families. My clinic is located in Lenexa, KS, and I also provide teletherapy services to residents of Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. If you are wondering if your child might be a gestalt language processor and want to learn more, please reach out anytime! My phone number is 913-210-0578 and my email is ellen@sincerespeech.com. You can also get in touch by using the Contact Me button below. I look forward to hearing from you!