How can gestalt language processors benefit from AAC?
In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, we wanted to share a recap of our Spotlight on Gestalt webinar with Abbey Warner MA, CCC SLP and Melanie Gylling MA, CCC SLP. Although not all autistic children or adults are gestalt language processors, it can be quite common amongst this population. Gestalt language processing is when an individual learns language through “chunks” or groups of words instead of individual words. These chunks often are lines from movies, videos, songs, or repeated phrases the individual has heard and attached meaning to. The individual may later learn to break down the chunks into smaller units or individual words, which they will then learn to combine to make longer and more flexible utterances. Another type of language learning is analytic language processing, where individuals learn single words first and then combine them into longer utterances. Most people likely use a mix of both analytical and gestalt language processing, with one being more dominant. Someone that is a gestalt language processor may also use a phrase or set of words that does not exactly express what they mean but has a specific use for the individual. For example: Repeating the phrase “the wheels on the bus” could mean to the communicator: AAC helps the communicator consistently express themselves through their gestalt, learn new phrases and words to help them get their needs and wants met, assist with communication breakdowns, and potentially provide some context surrounding the gestalt. AAC systems can also help communication partners discover the meaning of a gestalt. Grid software can be fully customised for gestalt users. The “best app” for gestalt language processing is whichever app works best for that communicator. There is also no one right way to add gestalts to AAC. You may consider adding the gestalt to a folder of gestalts, or to a page of language related to the gestalt. The example below shows a grid for the gestalt “Let it go”. In this example, if we know the gestalt means something about going somewhere, we might consider adding it to a grid of other phrases related to the word “go.” This example was created by adapting the messages sections in the Super Core 50 grid set. You could also add gestalts into the Voco Chat grid set, using a custom “My phrases” folder. In the example below, the “Let it go” gestalt has been added to a grid of phrases, and the potential meanings of the gestalt have been added next to it. This is helpful when the meaning is not clear from the gestalt itself. Here’s an example based on the My Communication Diary grid set. As you can see, the gestalts have been entered into the left two columns, and the meanings and directions are in the right two columns to aid the communication partner. This might be beneficial to help everyone working with an individual know what the communicator is trying to say and to prevent communication breakdowns. Download the My Communication Diary grid set here. This final example is from a grid set with a customised folder for gestalts. Inside there are grids for each gestalt, with images or phrases. The image below shows Swiper from the children’s television show, Dora the Explorer, surrounded by what the gestalt “Swiper no swiping!” may mean to the communicator. This may be helpful if the meaning of the gestalt in unknown. We recognise that autistic people have a preference for different terminology to describe themselves and autism. We have used a variety of terms, yet acknowledge that the language used may not reflect everyone’s views or own identity. As always, we are committed to representing our users’ preferences, and welcome feedback. Grid for iPad is our touch accessible app for iOS which helps autistic people with communication difficulties express themselves and live more independently. What is gestalt language processing?
How can a gestalt language processor benefit from AAC?
Here are a few examples of gestalts in grid sets:
For more information on gestalt language processing, check out the course on Smartbox Academy!
In honour of Autism Acceptance Month, Grid for iPad is 50% off from Monday 15th April – Sunday 21st April!
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