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19 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approach4.0 OBSERVATION AND MONITORING PROGRESS4.1 EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF GESTALT LANGUAGE PROCESSINGGestalt Language Processing may not present as a communication need. Just like in Analytical Language development, a child identified as a Gestalt Language Processor may go through the stages and make good progress and not require speech and language therapy/support. Some toddlers may not be recognised as Gestalt Language Processors. If a young child has limited articulation and they are communicating, their delayed echolalia might be seen as part of the babble, jargon or self-talk. However, once this child is articulating clearly, it may be apparent that they are Gestalt Language Processors and can continue to develop language and communication skills without the need for additional support.However, some children and young people present with persistent echolalia, may be identified as autistic and/or having communication needs and may benefit from additional support through the Gestalt Language Processing stages. An observation to determine their stage of Gestalt Language Processing and how they are using gestalts is helpful to monitor change and progress. If the child or young person is evidently using gestalts, they are likely to be Stage 1 to Stage 3 Gestalt Language Processors. At these stages:%u2022 Formal assessment is not suitable%u2022 Assessments that ask questions should be avoided%u2022 Observe what the child says and does. Audio and video recordings (with consent) are very helpful%u2022 Observe the child in different situations%u2022 Capture the child using scripts/echolaliaAsk:%u2022 What is the source of the scripts/echolalia?%u2022 How are the scripts used?%u2022 Is the child a Gestalt Language Processor, an Analytical Language Processor or both? If the child is a GLP, what is their predominant stage of GLP development?Using video recordingsVideo recording child-led observations is recommended, in order to analyse and monitor samples of a child or young person%u2019s communication and interaction. It is important to gain permission from the parents or carers to record the child or young person and to decide where it is best to carry out a video recording. Children and young people can present differently