Is My Child a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP)?

If you're a parent or therapist reading this blog, you might have come across the term gestalt language processing and wondered: Does my child or student fit the GLP profile? Let’s explore some key signs that could indicate your child is a gestalt language processor.

But first, if you’re unfamiliar with gestalt language processing, start with this post: What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Signs Your Child May Be a GLP

Sign #1: Your child uses delayed echolalia (scripting) to communicate.
Delayed echolalia, also called "scripting," refers to repeating phrases, songs, or lines from TV, movies, or YouTube as a way to communicate. These language chunks—called "gestalts"—often carry a deeper, personal meaning for the child. If your child’s speech consists mostly of these kinds of phrases, they might be a gestalt language processor!

Sign #2: Your child’s speech is rich in intonation and emotion.
GLPs are often drawn to language that sounds interesting, like songs, expressive phrases, or emotionally charged words. For example, a GLP might pick up a phrase from a dramatic movie scene or sing parts of a favorite song.

Even if your child’s speech isn’t clear, you might recognize what they’re saying by their intonation. For instance, a child with unclear speech might hum or attempt to sing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” While the words may be hard to understand, their rhythm and pitch might make the song recognizable.

Sign #3: Your child seems “stuck” on single words.
Early on, GLPs don’t see single words as building blocks for creating sentences. If they’re modeled single words, they may repeat them as scripts but struggle to combine them into phrases like analytic language processors (ALPs) do.

If your child has been exposed to a lot of single-word models, they might seem “stuck” and unable to move forward. Don’t worry—many GLPs eventually develop grammar, but they need support through phrase-level models instead of single-word models. Focus on modeling chunks of language that are meaningful to them.

Sign #4: Your child uses video clips or media to communicate.
Many GLPs rely on media, such as specific scenes from TV shows or songs, to express themselves. For example, they might play a part of a Cocomelon episode where a character falls and needs a bandaid to tell you they got hurt.

Even if your child isn’t using media clips to communicate directly, replaying certain scenes repeatedly or being more drawn to intonation-rich language in videos than to everyday speech can be another sign of gestalt language processing.

Sign #5: Your child isn’t making progress in traditional speech therapy.
If therapy doesn’t seem to be working, it’s possible the approach isn’t tailored to gestalt language processing. Many traditional speech therapy methods are designed for analytic language processors and focus on single words instead of phrase-level gestalts. GLPs need a different kind of support that aligns with their unique way of processing language.

Sign #6: Your child is hyperlexic.
About 12% of GLPs are hyperlexic (able to read at an advanced level for their age), and most hyperlexic children are GLPs. If your child shows an early fascination with letters, words, or reading, this might be another clue that they fit the GLP profile.

Understanding your child’s language profile is the first step to supporting their unique communication journey. If you suspect your child is a GLP, consider seeking out resources or a therapist experienced in gestalt language processing.