Some learners don’t build language one word at a time. They start with whole chunks or gestalts and then move into more flexible language. If you work with a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP) who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), you’ll want to be strategic in how you use the device.

This guide covers practical ways to manage a robust AAC system, modeling meaningful language, and building in more flexible language over time. From programming and tracking Gestalts to modeling at each stage, here is your guide to GLPs and AAC.

What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a term used to describe one proposed way some individuals develop and use language, often beginning with larger chunks or “gestalts” before developing more flexible language.

GLP is not a diagnosis, but a way to learn language. Language develops differently in both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. A neuroaffirming approach recognizes and respects these differences while supporting each person’s individual communication needs.

Gestalts may include:

• Scripts
• Repeated phrases, songs, or sounds
• Lines from TV shows
• Motor routines
• Emotionally meaningful phrases

Why Honoring GLPs Matters

Gestalts are meaningful communication, and honoring them matters. The goal is not to eliminate echolalia or scripts. The goal is to understand communication, provide access to meaningful language, and support increasingly flexible communication.

When gestalts, core, and fringe vocabulary all live together on the device, the learner can keep using the language they rely on now while building toward more flexible language.

Five Strategies to Support GLP Processors

Keep a Robust AAC System Available

Working with a GLP learner doesn’t mean programming the AAC system to match a presumed stage nor requiring the learner to produce language at a particular stage. Instead, AAC should remain available as a consistent means of communication while communication partners model meaningful and functional language.

When looking for a speech app to support GLP, look for:

• Multiple ways of communicating including text-to-speech, auditory output, and saved phrases
• A large vocabulary including core and fringe words
• Personalization tools that allow for creating phrases, folders, and recording speech or sounds

Honor Gestalts by Programming Them

Leaving core words on the device to model and mitigate larger scripts is important, but so is programming gestalts. As the user begins to mitigate, leaving the gestalts as programmed is recommended.

Here are two ways to do this:

1. Create a “My Phrases” folder for language that has not been decoded yet. Once the meaning becomes clear, create an icon for the phrase and put it into the appropriate category.
2. Since gestalts are often emotionally charged, place them in the “Feelings” folder of your speech app vocabulary.

Model From the Learner’s Perspective

Model what we want the learner to say instead of asking a question.

Track Gestalts to Decode Their Meaning

Decoding gestalts can take some time, so keeping track of them matters. Some ways to track scripts/phrases include:

• Date and time
• Exact script: write it word-for-word
• Where it happened and what was happening
• Who or what they were interacting with
• Possible meaning or function
• How they said it: spontaneous, echoed, prompted, etc.
• Frequency: tally each time it occurs
• Variations or changes to the script
• Notes on anything significant about the situation

You could also provide this log to other members of the team, like caregivers and teachers, so that everyone is on the same page.

Meet the Learner Where They Are

When you track GLPs, you’ll have a better understanding of what stage they’re in. Keeping core vocabulary and gestalts together on the device will help you smoothly transition between stages. Here are some tips on what to model as you move through each stage.

Supporting Every GLP

Continue to honor total communication for every Gestalt learner. The goal isn’t to eliminate echolalia or move them off of scripts, but to encourage communication as a whole.

Remember: the goal is to understand communication, provide access to meaningful language, and support increasingly flexible communication. By doing these things, you’ll help every learner grow.