LITTLE SPEECH LIFE

We REPEAT, follow INTERESTS, incorporate SILENCE, provide SENSORY INPUT and REMOVE DIRECT QUESTIONS!

Gestalt language processors may be using “jargon” (intentional language that the motor system is unable to translate into intelligible speech just yet), gestalts that are not literal or using intonation without words BUT it is ALL INTENTIONAL and MEANINGFUL.

It should not be ignored and should be validated. So how do we do that?

1. Repeat the gestalt back! “to infinity and beyond” so you repeat “to infinity and beyond!”

Allowing the child to know and feel that you are hearing them and recognize their communication is important!

2. Follow their interests! I cannot emphasize this enough! So often, we are encouraging children to play our narrative or with the toy we choose. Follow their lead and engage as you can! If they don’t want you to touch their scene or toys, offer gestalts while sitting back and watching. Or you can offer a toy to add to the scene. Bottom line, don’t try to control the narrative.

3. Incorporate SILENCE! It seems counterintuitive BUT it allows the child to engage without pressure, get relief from constant input, and processing time. It demonstrates that they are free to engage as they will.

When we begin to immerse ourselves into their world and provide input in a way that supports how they process information, we build language trust and CONNECTION which in turn leads to ENGAGEMENT!

These are the building blocks of communication in general and we have to start here first!

4. Always try to incorporate MOVEMENT and appropriate SENSORY support! When our nervous system is regulated and feeling good, we are able to access the most spontaneous, novel communication!

5. Limit DIRECT QUESTIONS that expect answers! Turn them all into statements or model them as a unit (question + answer) . Here are some examples of both!

A. Do you want a snack? – Let’s have a snack!

a. What should I have for snack? – a cheese stick!

B. Do you want to play a game? – I wanna play a game with you!

b. Where are the games? – Here they are!

C. Did you get your shoes? – I see you got your shoes!

c. Where did I put my shoes? Ah ha! Behind the door!

JUST STATEMENTS:

D. Q: What did you do today? Vs. S: I heard you played tag on the playground, nice!

E. Q: Why are you so upset? Vs. S: I’m sorry you are so upset.

F. Q: Are you ready for dinner? Vs. S: It’s time for dinner!

This can take some getting used to BUT in reality, these are things we say every day without realizing it, so don’t overthink it.

This is the first step before we start working more specifically in a certain stage and it’s important that these strategies become habitual as they will continue to remain the building blocks through intervention!

Thanks for reading! Next, I will begin breaking down the stages of gestalt language processing 😊