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66 %u00a9 Elklan Training Limited 2025Elklan Supporting Gestalt Language Processing %u2013 a Total Communication Approachhaving photos, pictures, or symbols and labelling them with the corresponding single written word.Power-based communication aidsIf the child or young person has been using a power-based electronic device, they should have always had core vocabulary available to them. They may have gradually become less reliant on using their device in line with an increase in their speaking. They may have only used the communication aid in certain situations. Whatever the case, it is important to continue to have the device available in all situations, as part of the Total Communication Approach. The device, as always, should be updated and support given on how to navigate to the vocabulary pages and how to use them.8.6 SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENTThis section is relevant throughout the GLP Stages and language acquisition depending on the individual child or young person. It is included at GLP Stage 3 because some autistic individuals and/or GLP processors have a keen interest in letters, numbers, logos and written words during their earlier Stages of GLP so an awareness of how this links with literacy development is important. In education much of the work on vocabulary and language is via literacy and the Gestalt Language Processor may have differences in their development of literacy skills. Much more research is needed to determine whether there is any commonality in how Gestalt Language Processors learn to read and effective support strategies.An individualised literacy approach should be adopted when supporting a child or young person identified as a Gestalt Language Processor. It is important to adopt a holistic approach when considering their development of literacy skills. Observations and relevant questions include asking if the child or young person is:%u2022 Accessing the phonics curriculum and recognising how a speech sound (phoneme) maps onto a grapheme(s) for phonic reading and writing%u2022 Interested in books and listening to stories%u2022 Seen to repeatedly look at certain books or books about their favoured interest%u2022 Interested in copy writing, colouring or drawing%u2022 Showing a preference for reading and writing numbers.A strength-based approach should be adopted and the child or young person%u2019s interest included when supporting the development of literacy skills.