Communication is fundamental to human connection, yet individuals with complex communication needs, including those with communication disorders, often encounter unique challenges. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems provide essential tools for these individuals, enabling them to express thoughts, needs, and emotions. Among this diverse group are Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs), who develop language uniquely by processing larger, phrase-based units rather than individual words.
Understanding and addressing the specific needs of GLPs is imperative for their communication success. With tailored interventions and the integration of high-tech AAC devices and specialized AAC systems, these individuals can make significant progress in building meaningful connections.
This article explores the fundamentals of gestalt language processing, differentiating it from other language development styles and providing practical strategies to support GLPs. By customizing AAC systems to match their communication styles, families, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and educators can empower GLPs to develop meaningful, spontaneous language that can support their growth and connections.
Analytic Language Development vs. Gestalt Language Development
Patterns of language acquisition can vary, typically falling into two categories: analytic language development and gestalt language development. These methods represent fundamentally different ways of understanding and using language. Recognizing these differences is vital when designing communication solutions for individuals with complex communication needs, as each approach influences intervention strategies and AAC system design.
Understanding the Two Styles
In analytic language development, individuals build language incrementally—starting with single words or syllables and gradually forming phrases, then sentences. This step-by-step method allows for flexible creation of new word combinations.
Conversely, gestalt language development involves processing language in large chunks—often complete phrases or “gestalts”—heard in the individual’s environment. GLPs absorb and reproduce these phrases holistically, later working to deconstruct them into smaller units for more versatile use. For this reason, the phrase may sound like it is coming from another person’s perspective and may have pronoun reversal. Many of the phrases that are repeated are from media or videos.


These characteristics and examples above help to illustrate how each language development style influences how individuals process and use language. Understanding these nuances is essential for tailoring effective communication interventions.
Key Differences
- Building Blocks vs. Wholes: Analytic learners focus on smaller linguistic elements, while GLPs begin with phrases or gestalts.
- Language Flexibility: Analytic learners can rearrange words early on, whereas GLPs generally start with scripted language and move toward flexibility over time.
- Path to Mastery: Analytic learners build up language gradually. GLPs start with intact scripts and smaller-word usage emerges later, following a reverse route to conventional language acquisition.
- Emotional Connection: Often, gestalt language processors will learn or use a phrase that has an emotional connection or memory associated with it that may not have a clear meaning to an outside listener (e.g., saying “please like and subscribe” meaning something is finished). Analytic processors are able to pair the typical meaning to a word.
Implications for Intervention
Recognizing whether an individual is an analytic or gestalt learner shapes successful intervention. GLPs benefit from methods that use their scripts as a springboard into more flexible utterances. These insights also guide AAC system integration and ensure the strategies used reflect an individual’s natural language development.
For additional perspectives on gestalt language processing in AAC, resources from ableU such as the “Gestalt Language Processors and AAC” presentation can help families and professionals align interventions more closely with the user’s learning style.
3 Characteristics of Gestalt Language Development in Individuals with Complex Communication Needs
Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) exhibit distinctive communication patterns reflecting their holistic development to language. Understanding these traits helps families, caregivers, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) tailor interventions and AAC systems appropriately.


Early and accurate identification of GLPs helps ensure interventions align with their unique needs. Through observation, collaboration with families, and assessment, SLPs can pinpoint key characteristics and recommend appropriate AAC support.
1. Utilization of Scripts or Previously Heard Phrases
GLPs often use entire phrases or sentences—sometimes called scripts— to communicate. These phrases are drawn from what they have previously heard, whether that is from their surroundings or media. They are phrases that created a strong emotional connection and developed their own meaning. These scripts are the building blocks for communication for GLPs
2. Echolalia
Echolalia involves repeating language heard in conversation or media. Echolalia can be immediate, meaning it is repeated right after it is heard, or delayed, meaning a previously heard phrase is later used in a different context. Immediate echolalia is observed in both types of language development, while delayed echolalia is heard primarily in gestalt language processors. While sometimes misunderstood, echolalia is a form of communication and serves a variety of functions including language processing, turn taking, regulation, and communication.
3. Gradual Language Flexibility
Initially tied to emotional situations, scripts become more adaptable and available for mitigation as GLPs learn to break them down. This shift into single words and eventually multi-word combinations unfolds over time, following a process towards spontaneous, novel language. . Research also suggests that tailored intervention focusing on breaking down and mitigating language scripts can foster more flexible communication.
Determining the Need for AAC for Gestalt Language Processors
Families and educators can provide insights into the GLP’s daily language patterns and communication styles.
The goal for each individual, regardless of language processing style, is to have functional, spontaneous communication that can allow them to get their needs and wants met, and form connections with those around them. Many GLPs are able to use spoken language to get their needs met, both with and without interventions. Natural language acquisition strategies can support a GLP as they move from scripted language to novel language. For some GLPs, spoken language is not effective at getting their message across to others, which is where Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can play a role. AAC is an appropriate tool for anyone who is not able to communicate effectively through spoken language, including those who are GLPs. Integrating gestalt processing into typical AAC systems takes thoughtful considerations and adaptations. Tracking and recording of common scripts and phrases the GLP uses can guide customization of AAC technology.
For GLPs, an AAC system should accommodate their use of scripts while fostering growth in flexible language. Systems that store full phrases yet also introduce single-word options allow GLPs to gradually move through the process of language development.
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Customizing AAC Systems for Gestalt Language Processors
Tailoring a high-tech AAC system to a GLP’s natural communication style can significantly enhance both short- and long-term outcomes. Below are important considerations when selecting or designing an AAC system for GLPs:
Provide Phrase-Based Communication
Rather than focusing solely on single words, incorporate scripts and program frequently used phrases. Follow the set up of the system to add phrases, as well as media, in appropriate locations. This approach allowsGLPs to use their personal phrases while being exposed to variations of the phrase and single words throughout the device.
Move Through Language Development Stages
Move through the phrases of gestalt language development on the device by first building a repertoire of function scripts or phrases, then working to mitigate or make small changes to those phrases over time. For example, you may add the phrase “let’s go play” initially, and then use single icons for “let’s”, “go”, and “play” to break down the phrases and begin to mix and match them.
Adaptable System Design
For ongoing success, ensure the AAC device can easily add or rearrange vocabulary, phrases, and added media. Adaptable design supports evolving communication skills without burdening the user with unnecessary complexity.
Potential Challenges and Strategies for Supporting GLPs

Meeting the needs of Gestalt Language Processors involves having a knowledge of how their language develops and how to find alternatives to more typical analytical language strategies. . Below are common areas of need for GLP and new AAC users and suggestions to address them effectively:
1. Supporting Change
GLPs often embrace routine and find comfort in using familiar scripts. A child needs to be linguistically ready to move to mitigating scripts and breaking down phrases. Follow natural language acquisition models by moving from phrases, mitigated phrases, and single words so as to not overwhelm your learner with too much change.
- Build on existing script repertoire by changing one word in the script and replacing it with new words. When your learner begins to do this independently, you’ll know they are ready to move through their next stages of language development.
- Celebrate examples of linguistic development to reinforce openness to change.
2. Navigating Device Complexity
As icons and vocabulary options increase, device navigation may overwhelm a new GLP AAC user.
- Group scripts and words under familiar themes to simplify retrieval.
- Maintain consistent icon layouts to reduce confusion.
3. Balancing Comfort with Growth
Build on the device and add new icons as is appropriate with their growing language development. Work to find the zone of optimal development in which your user can continue to utilize known phrases but start to branch into mitigation and flexible word use.
- Incorporate incremental changes that keep scripts intact and allow for exploration and further development.
- Use motivating activities and make emotional connections with the device to help GLPs interact with and expand on the device naturally.
Collaboration and Holistic Support
Building effective support for GLPs takes collaboration across SLPs, educators and families, with the added support of high-tech AAC device providers. This collective team ensures the system meets the user’s communication style and adapts as their skills develop.
Families can share daily communication insights, while SLPs recommend strategies and monitor progress. Families and caregivers offer essential details about the GLP’s favorite topics, daily routines, and frequently used phrases.
Talk to an SLP
Talk to an SLP
Empower Communication Growth for Gestalt Language Processors Today
Empowering Gestalt Language Processors requires understanding their holistic language style and equipping them with flexible, script-friendly AAC tools. By reinforcing their use of phrases and gradually introducing more dynamic elements, we enable GLPs to express themselves authentically and develop increased spontaneity over time.
Whether you are an SLP, educator, or caregiver, collaboration and thoughtful customization are key. A robust high-tech AAC system and comprehensive support help ensure individuals continue to grow in confidence and proficiency.
A reliable, user-focused support network is crucial with AAC device usage. The ableCARE Product Success team at AbleNet offers ongoing help for families and professionals, providing guidance throughout the five-year warranty of the QuickTalker Freestyle™ high-tech speech generating device. This includes troubleshooting, customization support, and updates to ensure the AAC solution remains aligned with each GLP’s needs.
Ready to transform communication for GLPs? Learn how the QuickTalker Freestyle device can support GLPs and enhance their ability to connect. Connect with an experienced SLP today to get started. Together, we can help every voice be heard.