Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Natural Language Acquisition Approach (NLA) is an innovative and holistic approach to speech therapy that aligns with the natural process of language development for Gestalt Language Processors.

What are gestalt language processors?

Analytic and gestalt are the two ways that children can process and develop language.

A child processing language in an analytic way attends to and learns the meaning of single words. Then, he or she begins to use that word in different contexts and eventually combine the word with other words to form their own phrases.

A gestalt language processor starts developing language by memorizing whole phrases, instead of learning the meaning one word at a time. They then work backwards into learning the meaning of the words that make up those phrases.

This often displays itself as echolalia or scripting.

Here’s an example:

On your child’s favorite TV show, the main character always says, “let’s go everybody!” before going outside. Your toddler, who’s learning to talk, starts saying “let’s go everybody!” when the two of you leave your house, or as you’re walking out of the grocery store. Your child might not understand the meaning of each word in that phrase, but he or she memorized it as a chunk.

(TherapyWorks)

How do I know if my child is a gestalt language processor?
• Your child may be a gestalt language processor if:
• They often repeat lines from movies and TV shows
• Talk in the third person or have difficulty with pronouns (particularly “I” “me” “my” “you” and “yours”)
• They have difficulty answering questions
• They hum or sing with rhythm, even if they do not speak yet
• They use melody and intonation when they speak, even if their words are unclear
• They seem to be "stuck" using single words
• They have a limited inventory of words and phrases and/or may repeat words and phrases over and over, in a similar way each time (also known as scripting)
• They often repeat words heard from you, others around them, or videos/shows (also known as echolalia)

What is echolalia?

Many children on the autism spectrum use echolalia, which means they repeat others’ words or sentences. They might repeat the words of familiar people (parents, teachers), or they might repeat sentences from their favorite video. When children repeat words right after they hear them, it’s known as immediate echolalia. When they repeat words at a later time, it’s known as delayed echolalia. As a result of the time delay, delayed echolalia may seem very unusual because these sentences are used out of context. For example, a child might enjoy a song his teacher sang at circle time, and then later ask to sing it at home by saying “It’s circle time” instead of saying the name of the song (The Hanen Centre).

What is scripting?

Scripting is the repetition or reciting of lines from movies, television, books, or words other people have said. Scripting is often used as a form of communication by autistic people, and can also be employed as a stim for enjoyment or help with sensory regulation

Speech Therapy for Gestalt Language Processors:

When we know that we are working with gestalt language processors, we have the opportunity to support them in moving through the stages of their language development and ultimately increasing their flexibility in communication and spontaneous language production.

Key components of therapy for a gestalt language processor include:

Honoring and responding to all of their communication!

When a gestalt language processor uses a script that is confusing to the listener and seemingly out-of-context, we should still recognize and respond to it as it is legitimate communication!

Searching for Meaning

Some detective work may be needed in order to find out the meaning or intent behind an echolalic utterance or a script. Once the meaning or use is determined, we can use that to help your child get their wants and needs met as well as to shape more independent language.

Child-Led Therapy

Child-led therapy allows us to model language in natural, child-directed activities. While this requires flexibility and creativity from your child’s therapists, it results in increased motivation to communicate, continuous engagement, and development of a positive relationship between the therapist and child.

Our speech therapy sessions are child-led and centered around play activities, including:
• Motor movement activities
• Sensory-based activities
• Special interest activities
• Games and toy play

From developing expressive and receptive language abilities to focusing on pragmatic language and social communication, our interventions are personalized to each child's strengths and challenges. We embrace a holistic approach, incorporating play-based therapy, social communication interventions, and the integration of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools when necessary. Through collaborative efforts with families, our goal is to empower children with autism spectrum disorder to navigate the world of communication with increased confidence and effectiveness. Progress is monitored closely, allowing for adjustments to ensure the most impactful and individualized treatment plan. Our commitment extends beyond therapy sessions as we work to create a supportive environment that nurtures each child's unique communication potential.

Speech therapy is most effective when all of the important people in your child's life are involved! A child’s parent or caregiver is their most frequent communication partner. We will provide education to you about your child’s language learning style, answer your questions, provide home activities, and help you guide your child’s learning with confidence. We will equip you with the skills to connect and communicate with your child in new and effective ways!