Help Others Communicate With Your Gestalt Language Processor
If your child is a gestalt language processor (GLP), you already know that their communication style can look a little different from what most people expect. They might repeat familiar lines from shows, songs, or past conversations. They might use phrases in creative ways that carry a deeper meaning than meets the ear.
As parents, you often become your child’s best interpreter. But when your child spends time with grandparents, babysitters, teachers, or extended family, they may not know how to connect in the same way you do. That’s why it’s important to help others understand how to communicate with your GLP child in ways that feel supportive and natural.
Step 1: Explain What GLP Means
Start by sharing that your child learns and uses language in chunks—called “gestalts”—instead of building from single words first. These chunks are meaningful to your child and are part of their natural language development process.
You can say something like:
“They’re a gestalt language processor, which means they often talk in scripts or phrases they’ve heard before. It’s their way of communicating, and over time, those scripts will turn into conversational speech.”
Highlight the top gestalts someone could expect to hear from your child, as well as any other common communication tactics, such as gesturing, showing a YouTube video, or leading by the hand.
Step 2: Show Them How to Respond to Scripts
Sometimes, adults who don’t understand GLP might try to correct a script or tell the child to “say it a different way.” Instead, we want them to:
Acknowledge the script: Respond as if the child has expressed a thought or feeling, even if the words are borrowed.
Match the feeling: If the script is excited, respond with excitement; if it’s sad, respond with empathy.
Model language naturally: Offer a new way to say something without demanding that the child repeat it.
For example, if your child says, “To infinity… and beyond!” while playing outside, you could respond:
“You’re flying so high! Look at you go!”
Step 3: Encourage Play and Shared Experiences
GLPs thrive on connection. Encourage others to:
Join in on the child’s play, even if it’s repetitive.
Offer toys, books, or songs that your child loves—it builds trust.
Avoid putting pressure on the child to “talk on command.”
The more comfortable your child feels, the more language they’ll use naturally.
Step 4: Share “Do” and “Don’t” Tips
✅ Do:
Listen without interrupting
Respond to the meaning, not just the words
Give time for your child to respond
Celebrate all forms of communication
🚫 Don’t:
Force them to repeat words
Dismiss scripts as “just copying”
Pressure them to speak in full sentences before they’re ready
Ask them questions
Step 5: Provide Resources
You can share short articles, videos, or handouts about GLP so others can keep learning. At Rooted Therapies, we provide parents with take-home guides you can share with your child’s community to help everyone get on the same page.
The Takeaway
When others understand how to connect with your GLP child, they’re not just helping them learn language—they’re building trust, relationships, and confidence. A few small adjustments in how people listen and respond can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and communication growth.
💬 Need support explaining GLP to friends, family, or teachers? Our therapists at Rooted Therapies can provide customized communication tips and even offer in-person or virtual training for your child’s support network.Educating others about your GLP and how they communicate is an essential part of affirming your child. But it doesn’t have to be a lengthy or complicated explanation. Your goal is to simply help set them up for success as they communicate and build a relationship with your GLP child.