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61 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approach7.6 OVERESTIMATING OR UNDERESTIMATINGVERBAL COMPREHENSION%u2022 Using gestalts may suggest a higher level of receptive language than exists especially if the gestalts used have correct grammar, relatively advanced vocabulary and sound quite complex in nature. This results in supporting adults using language that is too complex and using language that the child or young person does not understand.%u2022 A non-speaker or child or young person with minimal speaking may be assumed to have minimal cognition and therefore patronised or talked down to and this may lead to frustration.%u2022 It is really important that those supporting the child or young person are aware of the spoken language and contextual clues they can understand and that there is a match between the individual%u2019s understanding and the language used by the supporting adults.Assessment of learning needs and communication needs is sought because such needs can impact on behaviour.A speech and language therapist can assess verbal comprehension as one aspect within a holistic, ongoing assessment. Educational Psychologists can conduct cognitive assessment as and when the individual can cope with this kind of assessment. At the right time for the individual, an educational psychologist can use standardised tests to evaluate various cognitive processes in children and young people including:1. Perceptual Reasoning2. Verbal Comprehension3. Working Memory4. Processing Speed.BehaviourneedCommunicationLearning need