Welcome back. Today we will be addressing gestalt language processing (GLP) and how we adapt music therapy sessions to support our clients who acquire language in this way!

For many years clinicians were taught to discourage scripting or delayed echolalia of any kind when working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This has been the norm until more recently. There has been an emergence in the ASD community regarding the different ways individuals acquire language. This has brought GLP’s to the forefront more so than ever. Gestalt language processing was first discussed by the linguist Ann Peters in 1983, so while a relatively newer thought process, it has been a game changer to so many!

What is Gestalt Language Processing:

First a quick definition:

• Gestalt Language Processing begins with the child imitating phrases he or she previously heard (delayed echolalia). A child then breaks down the phrase as he or she learns the meaning of the individual words. The child uses those individual words to build other, novel phrases and sentences to communicate.

Gestalts tend to be synonymous with scripts or delayed echolalia. Many individuals with ASD utilize scripts verbally, via AAC devices, and even through using videos. In many cases these gestalts are used in a repetitive manner. This does not mean that the gestalt has no purpose. These scripts are those individuals’ way of communicating, and each gestalt has a meaning behind it if you take time to figure it out!

GLP’s acquire language in a different way to analytic language processors. Whereas analytic language processors first learn sounds, single words, and then phrasing; GLP’s learn in the opposite direction. GLP’s first learn large chunks of language, known as gestalts, then mitigate the gestalts, move to single words, then independent phrase creation. It is known that GLP’s can also be a mix between the two and learn both through gestalts and analytically.

There are several stages that GLP’s go through in their language journey, and it is important to not phase into a new stage without meeting the language goals within each one. These are outlined in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA), which is the specific work on gestalt language by SLP Marge Blanc.

The assessment of GLP’s is different to analytic language processors. Language samples must be taken and scored to determine what stage a GLP is in. Once a stage is determined there is a checklist to ensure they have enough workable gestalts to move onto the next stage. There is an entire program that professionals and caregivers can go through to learn more about GLP and how to best support individuals who are gestalt language processors.

Learn more here from one of the leading SLP’s in gestalt language processing!

How do we incorporate GLPs in Music Therapy?

Within music therapy at Musical Bridges, it is common to have some type of language goal, whether it be single words, multi-word phrases, sign language, or using an AAC. Each session is catered to the individual and with a GLP we simply accommodate and work within that mindset for their sessions.

We don’t discourage scripting and acknowledge all attempts to communicate. We incorporate client’s scripts into the music we are using and into our language as well. We work with parents and caregivers to determine what gestalts a client has and what they mean to that individual. At Musical Bridges we have a client-led approach which is beneficial to not only gestalt language processors but to all of our client’s as well.

Gestalt language processors utilize rich intonation within their gestalts, imitating specific phrases’ inflection. Music is such a great tool to compliment this melodic skillset to introduce new gestalts, solidify current gestalts, and move forward in the stages to begin mitigating gestalts. Music has patterns that are easy to pick up especially with repetitive lyrics, moving forward in the stage’s song lyrics are easily mitigated, especially in children’s songs.

In some cases, GLP’s do not have the complex oral motor skills to state their lengthy gestalts in an intelligible manner. Through our Neurologic Music Therapy training we have tools and techniques to assist our GLP clients in strengthening their oral motor skills in conjunction with their speech therapist. We utilize techniques such as OMREX (oral motor respiratory exercises) DSLM (developmental speech and language training), MIT (melodic intonation therapy), and VIT (vocal intonation therapy). These techniques target different aspects of language and can be utilized in the different GLP stages.

Read more about NMT techniques here.

Below we have a video of one of our GLP’s working in a Music Therapy session. In this video you will see independent use of verbal gestalts and gestalts on an AAC device. You will also hear the therapist and client’s mother modeling gestalt phrases. We allow space for silence and exploration within our therapy sessions and we follow client’s lead as well as give some structure within activities.

Some of the gestalts used and modeled in this video include:

• 1-2-3-go

• Do it again

• Quick, smack it

• You know who doesn’t want to be dragon dessert, me.

We want to help support our clients anyway we can. This includes opening ourselves up to new ideas and different techniques. The Musical Bridges staff is always learning and growing to be better for our clients and provide the services they deserve. If you think Music Therapy is the right step for your child who is a gestalt language processor reach out and see how Musical Bridges can serve you!

Inquire about services here.