Explaining Gestalt Language Processing to Your Child’s Teacher (and Others!)
When your child communicates in ways that feel different from what most people expect, it can be hard to explain what’s happening—especially in schools or community settings. If your child is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), their way of learning and using language is valid, meaningful, and deserves understanding. At Rooted Therapies, we want to empower families to advocate with confidence.
Here’s how you can explain Gestalt Language Processing to teachers, therapists, or other important adults in your child’s life:
Gestalt Language Processing
Gestalt Language Processing is a natural way some children (especially many autistic children) learn language. Instead of learning one word at a time, GLPs learn and communicate in chunks or "gestalts"—phrases they’ve heard and stored in their brain.
These might sound like:
“Let’s get outta here!” (from a movie)
“Do you want a snack?” (something a caregiver often says)
“We don’t do that” (a rule they’ve heard before)
While these scripts may sound memorized or out of place to others, they are meaningful and functional to the child. Over time, with the right support, children move from repeating full phrases to breaking them down and building their own original sentences.
They think and process information as episodes! They may sing songs, quote lines from shows or books to communicate.
GLPs Process Language Differently - but it’s not disordered.
A common misconception is that children who use echolalia or scripting are just mimicking. In reality, they’re showing us what they know and how they’ve absorbed language. This way of learning isn’t less than—just different.
What Helps a GLP Communicate?
You can support a GLP in the classroom or at home by:
Acknowledging their scripts/gestalts instead of correcting or ignoring them
Modeling sing-song, rhythmic, meaningful language (short phrases connected to the moment)
Giving them time to process what’s being said
Using visuals, gestures, or AAC as additional communication support
Following their interests and play themes to build engagement and connection
Silence, give them space and time to communicate their thoughts.
Tips for Teachers and Adults
Ask what stage of language development the child is in. A GLP-informed therapist can help guide this.
Know that scripting is not a behavior to extinguish—it’s communication.
Avoid drills or isolated vocabulary lessons. Learning language with flashcards is minimally helpful. Instead, connect language to real-life situations and routines.
Celebrate the child’s scripts and view them as stepping stones, not obstacles.
Grab this single-sheet GLP teacher guide!
A Neurodiversity-Affirming Mindset
Every child deserves to be understood on their own terms. When we explain GLP to others through a lens of respect, understanding, and affirmation, we shift the narrative from “fixing” to connecting.
If your child is a gestalt language processor, consider sharing a one-page summary with their teacher that explains their stage of communication and how they best engage with language. The more informed the adults around them are, the better they’ll be at supporting your child’s growth—without misunderstanding their needs.
Need Help Explaining GLP to Your Child’s Team?
At Rooted Therapies, we’re happy to participate in collaborative meetings to ensure your child is understood and supported in every setting. Rachel offers professional development and training through NeuroNook to educate and equip schools, clinics, and other professionals about gestalt language processing.
Let’s keep advocating for our kids—one connection at a time. 🌱