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3 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication ApproachEvans (2022) presents an interesting summary of the GLP debate.There are strong, and sometimes opposing, views, held by researchers, clinicians, autistic individuals, education practitioners, parents and carers. All should be considered and all should be respected as further research is conducted to improve the evidence base for this approach.The aims of this bookThis book aims to provide a broad and balanced view to inform the reader about how to consider a child or young person as a Gestalt Language Processor and how to support them with their communication. The six stages of Gestalt Language Processing (Blanc 2023) are followed, so that readers can understand these stages and work collaboratively with parents/carers and other practitioners but it does not strictly follow the guidance to support individuals through the six stages as set out in Marge Blanc%u2019s Natural Language Acquisition Protocol. The reason for this is that there are established strategies and approaches being used in education settings. Many of these have been researched and have some evidence base for their effectiveness in supporting the development of language and communication although, at this point in time, there is little evidence of their effectiveness specifically for individuals following the Gestalt Language Processing pathway. Until there is evidence that states that a strategy or approach is not effective with GLPs, the team around the child or young person needs to use their knowledge of evidence-based strategies, their knowledge of the child, their experience in supporting children and young people who appear to be following a Gestalt Language Processing pathway, the views of the parents/carers and those of the child or young person. The support should therefore be individualised to meet the needs of the child or young person within the framework of neuro-affirming practice (Hutchins et al 2024). Gestalt Language Processing practice is considered to be neurodiverse friendly because it:%u2022 accepts difference%u2022 is strength based%u2022 is child or young person ledGLP and autismThis book is relevant to autism and autistic children and young people who follow the Gestalt pattern of language processing. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, includes repetitive behaviour as part of the criteria for the diagnosis of autism. It is