Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)

What is GLP?

GLP is a unique way of processing language where individuals tend to learn and use chunks or gestalts of language rather than learning individual words and constructing sentences from them.

Key features of GLP:

Language is processed in pre-formed chunks or phrases (e.g., full sentences or expressions).
Echolalia (repeating heard phrases or sounds) .
The child may use these chunks out of context or in new situations, even if they don’t fully understand the individual meanings of the words.
Chunks might be from things like TV shows, songs, or movies, or phrases they have heard repeatedly from caregivers or others.

There are 6 stages in GLP. Below are 4 of the 6 stages.

Stage 1:
Gestalt Phrase Use (Chunking)

Language is used in pre-formed chunks, often memorized phrases or sentences (e.g., repeating a line from a TV show, “I’m hungry!” or “Let’s go!”). Here the child may not understand every individual word but can use the whole chunk appropriately in certain contexts (e.g., using “Let’s go!” when wanting to leave a room).

Stage 2:
Mitigation

The child takes parts of gestalts and combines them with other parts of other gestalts (e.g., using “I want snack” after learning the individual words “I want” and “snack,” even if it’s not exactly a grammatically perfect sentence).

Stage 3:
Single Words and Two-Word Combinations

Freeing a single word from a gestalt and/or making a new two-word combination (e.g., a child might combine noun plus noun with no attention to word order, such as “floor + mommy”).

Stage 4:
Original Phrases/Sentences and Beginning Grammar

The child puts together “freed” single words to make their own phrases and/or sentences (e.g., “mommy sits with me”).

At Sydney Speech and Munchies Lesley takes a neurodiverse affirming approach to speech pathology assessments and therapy.

Initial Consult

Let’s get to know each other.
Listening to your concerns.
Gathering information about your child.
Recommendation made for type and cost of assessment.
Scheduling assessment time.

Assessment Session

Initial assessment.
Informal feedback provided.
Assessment results provided in a formal report.

Planning & Discussion

Discussing assessment results.
Recommendations for therapy goals.
If required, contact with other allied health.

Therapy

Neurodiverse affirming therapy.
Booking session times.

Review

Review of therapy progress and feedback provided at different times.
Review of therapy goals.

At Sydney Speech and Munchies, Lesley Slattery provides neurodiverse affirming therapy for pre-school and primary school children in the convenience of their home, school, or other familiar location.

We offer services for:

Speech Difficulties

A speech sound disorder (SSD) occurs when there are difficulties producing or articulating sounds correctly in speech.

Fussy Eating & ARFID

ARFID is characterised by a limited range of food intake and an avoidance of certain foods based on sensory characteristics, texture, or fear of choking. This behaviour goes beyond the typical picky eater.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

OMT focuses on improving the function of the muscles in and around the mouth (the orofacial region). OMT focuses on improving the function of the muscles in the orofacial region, including those involved in breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Therapy addresses and corrects muscle imbalances that can affect oral and facial function.

Literacy difficulties

Literacy difficulties are often characterised by challenges with reading, writing, and spelling, decoding words, understanding written text, and expressing thoughts in writing. These difficulties can impact academic performance and everyday communication.

Language Difficulties

Language difficulties can arise in both receptive and expressive language skills. Receptive language difficulties involve challenges with understanding spoken or written language, while expressive language difficulties affect a person’s ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings effectively through speech or writing. These difficulties can impact communication and comprehension, leading to challenges in academic and social settings.

Gestalt Language Processing

GLP is a distinct approach to language processing in which individuals often learn and use language in chunks or gestalts, rather than focusing on individual words or components.

Contact Us

Lesley Slattery is an experienced speech pathologist and is the owner of Sydney Speech and Munchies.

Lesley is known for prioritising a neurodiversity affirming approach to speech ,literacy, language and feeding therapy, bringing personalized, compassionate care directly to clients and caregivers, whether at home, school, or another familiar setting.