Page 10 - Demo

2 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication ApproachPrizant (1983) described four stages of Gestalt Language Processing. This was developed further by Marge Blanc and her theory of Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) was published in 2012. Blanc added two more stages making a total of six stages of Gestalt Language Processing and, in her book, includes detailed longitudinal studies that support the pattern of Natural Language Acquisition. In 2023 Blanc published a %u2018framework%u2019 or %u2018protocol%u2019. Marge Blanc suggests %u2018Using the Natural Language Acquisition Protocol to Support Gestalt Language Development%u2019, and describes how the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) protocol %u2018can be used to support autistic and non-autistic individuals with language development.%u2019An increasing number of adults provide lived experience of being a GLP and identifying as having developed language using gestalts. Examples include Lily Konyn (2023), Ron Suskind (2016). Parents are also recognising GLP as relating to their child%u2019s communication. This should alert practitioners to the importance of understanding GLP theory and practice.So, which children follow which pattern?There are many features of Gestalt Language Processing that fit the thought and behaviour patterns observed in autistic individuals (Prizant 1983). Our consideration to date is that many autistic children and young people may acquire language through the Gestalt Language Processing pathway, but not all. The majority of non-autistic children and young people acquire language through the Analytical Language Processing pathway but not all and some children appear to follow a joint Gestalt-Analytical Processing pathway (Audet, 2022, Blanc 2023).Readers should be aware of those who question the GLP approachQuill, KA (1983) reviewed Ann Peters%u2019 work and suggests that the %u2018units of language%u2019 (gestalts) must be considered on an individual basis, Quill believed %u2018No generalisation or predictions about development can be made from the Units of Language Acquisition theory.%u2019Hutchins et al (2024) wrote %u2018The term %u2018gestalt language processor%u2019 is definitionally and conceptually troubled, the assertion that autistic people are GLPs is misleading and unhelpful, and evidence is lacking that GLP represents a legitimate clinical entity. The theoretical basis of NLA lacks empirical support.%u2019 %u2018NLA stages are implausible and their accompanying assessment and support recommendations lack justification. We recommend the use of alternate, individualized, theoretically-sound, evidence-based, neurodiverse-affirming supports that are sensitive and responsive to the heterogeneity that defines autism.%u2019Bryant et al (2024) published a systematic review and looked at the outcomes of GLP on people%u2019s language in relation to their communication and behaviour. They summarise: %u2018There is an apparent lack of empirical evidence in the form of treatment studies to examine, evaluate or support Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) for children identified as GLPs%u2019.