Gestalt Language Processing

Gestalt Language Processing is the latest and greatest buzzword in our field and there’s good reason for it… Here’s the scoop on what we know and why we use it as a launching point for connecting with children…

Humans can develop and acquire language differently and unique to their system. For many of us, we start with small building blocks – single words and single sounds.  First we say ‘b’, and then ‘ball’, and then ‘ball go!’.  We call this ‘Analytic Language Processing’.

But some of us start with large building blocks – the tune of a whole phrase.  We are ‘intonation babies’ – we start by copying the tune of a whole phrase, and then gradually learn to break the tune down into sounds and words. This is called ‘Gestalt Language Processing’.

We can develop language using either of these developmental processes – they both lead to the same place. But both language development processes can also get ‘stuck’.  That’s where Speech and Language Therapists come in – when the process gets stuck and children need a hand to move on – we can help. 

We know that different language development needs different support.  ‘Word babies’ and ‘intonation babies’ are on different pathways to the same place, and they need the right support to help them get there.

Children who are Gestalt Language Processors might start by singing, or using long strings of sounds which you can’t understand.  You might hear the same ‘tune’ over and over again. They might copy, or echo, words and phrases which they hear on media or which they hear you say, using the same intonation every time.  Our first step is to recognise this as communication, and be a detective – trying to work out what they are communicatingusing these ‘tunes’.

Natural Language Acquisition is a therapy process which has been developed to support children who are Gestalt Language Processors (GLP).  Please reach out if you think your child may be a GLP, we are excited to support their journey.

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

PSA 🚩If you’re reading this blog, you might already be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information on the web regarding this topic. Pause & take a deep breath. It’s important to show yourself love and support. My aim as a clinician is to provide caregivers with the research and facts. If your little one is demonstrating characteristics, early intervention is such an incredible resource for your child and for YOU, the caregiver 💖

Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is rooted in early brain development. Caregivers typically begin observing outward signs and symptoms until a child is between 12 – 18-months-old. In fact, a lot of children will develop “normally” up until that point when they’ll suddenly lose skills and develop more outward characteristics associated with ASD – something that’s commonly referred to as “Regression”. This is why most children aren’t diagnosed by a professional until they’re over 2-years-old.

There are early signs and symptoms caregivers can be mindful of during this critical developmental period. Observing these signs and symptoms can help empower parents to seek supports and services, if they choose.

Red Flags for Autism (retrieved from Hanen)
Typically appearing by 12 months:

• No babbling

• No pointing (to show interest, for requesting, to get someone’s attention)

• Lack of gestures (asking to be picked up, waving, shaking their head “no”)

• Lack of joint attention (an individuals ability to attend to a conversation/activity with another)

• Poor eye contact

• Repetitive actions or movements

• Limited play with toys

• Poor imitation of sounds or actions (imitation of speech sounds, or actions such as clapping hands)

• Not responding to his or her name when being called

Appearing between 18-24 months:

• A loss of words, skills, or social connection

If your child presents with any of the above symptoms or you have concerns about their development, it is important seek a medical diagnosis. While a speech-language pathologist cannot diagnose autism, they are able to assess the child’s overall communication skills, including the social communication deficits that are often observed in children with autism.

For more helpful information, visit https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Early-Signs-of-Autism.aspx

My Favorite Toys to Build Your Little One's Language (ages 2-4)

My Favorite 4 Toys for Building Language... child tested and approved

Anyone else feel overwhelmed when trying to find your little one toys or games that will help them grow and learn? Honestly, the options are overwhelming and sometimes it’s unclear how to utilize the toy or activity to promote skill development. The truth is that all toys and activities have the potential to help your child foster new skills and promote growth. But… after working with kids for almost 10 years and focusing on building their speech and language through play, I have found that some toys set us up for more success than others! I’m here to spill the secrets on how to use toys to get your child engaged and talking. These are the activities my clients come back to year after year.

It’s not what the toys are, but how you use them, that get our kids communicating!

1. Pretend Food Shops (Like This One): Kids simply love these. They enjoy using them to pretend to eat, serve the food to you, and pretend they are the owner of the shop. While playing with a toy like this, you can work on concepts such as following simple directions. Trying saying something like “Can I have a red tomato on my sandwich?” You can also work on using words such as “Eat” “More” “Yum” “Drink” and “All Done”.

2. Busy Books (Like This One): There is just something about velcro that kids love. These books are best for children a bit older (closer to 4), who are able to handle smaller pieces and look through interactive books. These books teach concepts such as playground verbs (run, jump, swing, kick etc), and categories such as animals, sports, colors etc.

3. Cupcake Party (Get It Here): A wonderful game all kids ADORE. My clients love having fun creating silly and fun cupcakes. We work on skills such as following directions: “Hand me the yellow cake”, sequencing skills (bottom, top), and asking and answering questions “I’ll make the Belle cupcake, which cupcake do you want to make?”

4. Silly and Simple Toys (Like this Garbage Truck): Why do kids love the garbage truck? Some things I will never understand. This garbage truck is a hit. Get it and watch your child crack up the first time you take out the garbage and say “PEE YEWWW” or “Stinky Garage”. With my clients, we work on skills like early prepositions “put the garage IN the truck” or “go take the garbage OUT”. I use toy people and facilitate a variety play schemas such as “Garbage Day” or “Chore Day”. My little ones love it!

Enjoy and happy playing!

3 Ways to Boost your Child’s Social Skills in a Post Pandemic World

Boost your Child’s Social Skills in a Post Pandemic World

If you’re like the millions of parents around the world, you may be feeling unsure or nervous on how to support your little one’s social skills after a year filled with missed social opportunities and peer interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about disruptions in our children’s social interactions by putting a pause on many vital sources of interaction. Whether it was a playdate, circle-time with peers, free play on the playground, or learning skills in the classroom such as cooperation, teamwork and trust, they have missed so much. While all of that may seem overwhelming, we were also beyond fortunate to get plenty of 1:1 time with our children, which provided them with so many social-emotional benefits. The pandemic also encouraged us to use interactive media, such as FaceTime and video calls to interact with friends and family, which has been shown to benefit children’s social and language development. It hasn’t all been negative, but boy do we feel the weight of world on our shoulders as parents, to help our kids recoup those missed social opportunities and connections.

As we slowly begin to transition back to more moments for social interactions, I want to share with you 3 ways to support social skills and build social resilience for your child:

1. Model It: As the caregiver, we have the opportunity to model a LOT of different social skills. Time and time again, research proves that showing, rather than telling, can be the best way for kids to learn a variety of new skills. You can model social skills in front of, or with, your child. Here are some of our favorites to model: Greeting others using a friendly wave and “hello”, asking “wh” questions when talking with your child, demonstrating appropriate personal space between you and your child, using manners, and turn-taking during play and conversation. The more you model these everyday social skills, the more your child will become familiar with them and in turn, begin to utilize them him/herself!

2. Play it Out: Use little people to act out activities such as “getting on the bus” or “saying hi to a friend”. Each person chooses a “character” and uses that character to act out a variety of social situations. Some of our favorite scenes to recreate are: sharing objects, playing circle time, getting hurt, asking a friend to play, and going to the playground. You may also choose to ditch the little people/characters and  Role-Play using yourself! Parents can be the guiding light in the social scenario, helping your child navigate and problem solve during the scene. Some examples of social scenarios: asking a friend to play, asking a friend for help, teaching flexibility in play, and sharing ideas and listening to friends.

3. Use Books: Prep your child by reading plenty of books about school. Talk openly and directly about what the school day/schedule will look like, the emotions your little one may feel, and allow them the chance to ask any questions as they come up. I’ve compiled some of my favorite books for teaching social skills:

   • “I Can Share” by Karen Katz: A cute book for younger toddlers, focusing on teaching early sharing skills.

   • “How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends” by Jane Yolen: Designed for preschool children, ages 3-5, focusing on a guide on playing nicely with peers.

   • “Join In And Play” by Cheri J Meiners: This easy to follow book, teaches the basics of cooperation, getting along, making friends, and being a friend. It is ideal for children ages 4-8.

   • “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain: This book teaches children about emotions and feelings using clear and easy to understand language.

   • “Kindness Starts With You” by Jacquelyn Stagg: This book is great for introducing important concepts such as helping, inclusion, showing respect and empathy.

   • “What Should Danny Do? The Power Of Choices” by Ganit and Adir Levy: This book helps teach children the understanding that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives into what they will be.

We have watched the youngest among us navigate challenging and uncertain times, demonstrating bravery and resiliency. As parents and professionals, we can help lay a strong social and emotional groundwork, in which they can foster a solid foundation for friendships and life skills for the future.

Worried about your child’s social development? Reach out for a consultation.