You might have read our post on supporting children who learn with Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and thought: My child doesn’t use speech consistently, could they learn using GLP too? Maybe your child is not yet using language to communicate or they use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) such as hand signs, a book with pictures or an iPad with icons and voice output.
Whether your child communicates using speech, AAC, or a combination of ways, here are some signs that your child might benefit from GLP strategies:
- They hum, sing, or “mumble” the same sounds with the same intonation very often, especially in repeated situations.
- For example, they say “ah-WAAAA” every time their brother comes home.
- They like to rewind and hear the same parts of a video clip or song over and over.
- They use echolalia on their device.
- For example, typing out scripts from their favourite books or shows.
Unfortunately, most AAC devices and apps have been designed with Analytical Language Learning in mind. Here are a few tips to modify your child’s AAC system with GLP in mind:
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- Add buttons that say a full phrase or line from a favourite song/video. Some systems allow you to add your own audio to these buttons. This is a good way to add interesting and consistent intonation to the message. You can record yourself saying the phrase, or you can sometimes upload an audio file from a song/video.
- You can either put these in their own separate folder, or try matching them with what the gestalt might mean to the child. For example, the gestalt “Put on your snow pants” can be in the “Feelings” folder.
- When modelling on the AAC system, try modelling a phrase by pressing each word, one at a time, but always in the same order. For example, when playing with bubbles, each time your child sees the bubbles and smiles, you can model “I + like + it”.
- Do not change the overall structure of the AAC system. It is designed with the ultimate goal of your child being able to, one day, use all of its features to create their own self-generated language. With most systems, you can still add buttons and change how you model, without making too many major changes to the system.
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, contact us today for more information or to book an appointment!