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32 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approach4.13 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND AACDetermining the Gestalt Language Processing stage is only one part of the observation of communication needs. Another important part is to investigate how the child or young person may benefit from specific AAC support.To determine how the individual can be supported by AAC it is important to collaborate with the individual and family members, as well as other professionals in determining the best AAC support plan.Observation of communicative intentCommunicative intent means the child or young person shows they want to communicate with another person. The intention can be readily observed if there is a connection, for example, the child or young person:%u2022 speaks to another person%u2022 directs non-verbal communication to another person or%u2022 makes physical contact with another person. Some individuals may want to communicate but their intention is not so obvious. They may not travel over to someone to communicate or initiate interaction, yet they may still intend to communicate in their own way. A Gestalt Language Processor may intend to communicate via physical, vocal and/or verbal gestalts so it is important these are responded to. Rather than using communicative intent as a benchmark for readiness for AAC, it may be appropriate to try a range of potentially suitable AAC supports as part of a Total Communication Approach. Whether the child or young person has communicative intent or not, use of the AAC support should be modelled by family members and supporting adults.It is recommended to consult with the individual, family, and all professionals involved and refer to an AAC clinical specialist for advice. It is important to share any understanding of how a child or young person uses their gestalts as part of this team approach. In Chapter 6 there is more information on AAC and Gestalt Language Processing.