Unlocking Communication: Understanding and Supporting Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children

Understanding and Supporting Gestalt Language Processing in Autistic Children.

Do you work with autistic children who use echolalia—either immediate (repeating what you say) or delayed (repeating something they’ve heard elsewhere)? In the past, echolalia was often dismissed or suppressed, but today, we understand that many autistic children use it as a meaningful way to communicate.

As our knowledge of gestalt language processing (GLP) expands, it’s crucial for professionals working with autistic individuals to understand this developmental pathway. Misinterpreting or ignoring this form of communication can leave children stuck in the early stages of language development. However, using the right neurodivergent-affirming approaches can help their language flourish, enabling them to develop self-generated, flexible language.

In this 1-hour webinar (including a live Q&A), speech pathologist Kerry Els demystified GLP and provided practical guidance for supporting autistic children who communicate using echolalia. Participants and webinar recording viewers learned:

• A brief introduction to GLP and its stages.

• How to identify if an autistic individual is a gestalt language processor.

• Practical strategies to respond effectively and support communication.

• An overview of the evidence surrounding GLP.

This webinar was designed for allied health professionals and allied health assistants (AHAs) working with autistic individuals. Whether new to this area or seeking to further develop understanding, this session equipped learners with the tools to identify GLPs and implement strategies to support their communication.

WEBINAR HOST: Andy Richardson, Chair of the AHANA Board and Coordinator of the AHA Global CPD Community of Practice at The Allied Health Academy

Andrew is the Chair of the AHANA Board and AHA Global CPD collective Coordinator for the Academy. He has worked as an Allied Health Assistant for Canberra Health Services since 2015. Since 2020 he has also been the Profession Lead for the AHA workforce across ACT Health; a role which entails assisting with the governance, and initial and ongoing credentialling, of the AHA workforce. Prior to working for Canberra Health Services, Andrew worked as an AHA in a residential aged care facility. 

WEBINAR PRESENTER: Kerry Els, Director, Speak, Learn & Grow

With over 25 years of experience as a speech pathologist, Kerry Els is a highly regarded expert specialising in literacy, motor speech disorders, and autism. Her extensive career in private practice has allowed her to develop a profound understanding of diverse speech and language challenges.

As the Director of Speak, Learn & Grow, a thriving private practice in south-east Sydney, Kerry leads a dynamic team of nine speech pathologists and three allied health assistants. She brings a wealth of expertise, with advanced training in Sounds-Write, Hanen Programs, Key Word Sign, AAC, Natural Language Acquisition, Sensory SLP, Orofacial Myology, Feeding Therapy, and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices. This comprehensive skill set allows her to create individualized, effective interventions that empower her clients to thrive.

Under Kerry’s leadership, Speak, Learn & Grow is built on family-centered care, neurodiversity-affirming principles, and child-led, play-based approaches. The practice is dedicated to building families’ capacity and to become their child’s best advocate.

HOSTING

This webinar was hosted by The Allied Health Academy's AHA CPD Community of Practice. Interested parties can join the AHA CPD Community of Practice at the course link to view the recording, and to attend high further high quality events like this one.