Authors: Polly Walsh and Christina Cannon SJOG Liffey Services 

What is AAC? 

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of communication methods that can be used to enhance or substitute speech (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). AAC is any form of communication, besides spoken words, which is used with, or instead of oral speech. Some examples include pictures and photographs, key word sign systems such as Lámh and high-tech communication devices. AAC helps individuals express their thoughts, needs, and emotions in ways that work best for them.   

What is Gestalt Language Processing? 

There are two ways that children learn language: analytic language processing (ALP) and gestalt language processing (GLP).  

Analytic language processors first learn single words (e.g. ‘open’), which they then use as building blocks to make longer phrases and sentences (e.g. ‘open door’….’let’s open the door’). 

Gestalt language processors first learn chunks of language without distinction between individual words (e.g. ‘letsopenthedoor’). These chunks are also called gestalts or ‘delayed echolalia’. The child then starts to break gestalts apart or change them (e.g. ‘let’sopen… thepress), before learning that they can pull out single words from their gestalts (e.g. ‘open’….. ‘door’). After they get to this point, their language development journey is very similar to analytic language processing. Early gestalts usually have rich intonation and emotional meaning for the child. They often come from media like TV shows (e.g. ‘YouneedtoexerciseDaddyPig’).  

Both analytic language processing and gestalt language processing are natural and valid ways of developing communication. Many autistic children and adults are gestalt language processors (Prizant, 1983). 

AAC and Gestalt Language Processing 

For a variety of reasons, many gestalt language processors use high-tech communication devices to support their communication. However, communication devices have traditionally been designed for analytic language processors and usually consist of lots of single words that can be put together to build sentences. In the early stages of gestalt language processing, single words are not yet useful. Here are some simple ideas for how to adapt a communication device for a gestalt language processor:  

Phrases/gestalts 

A gestalt language processor should have their own gestalts programmed into the communication device. As well as their own gestalts, they will need new phrases added to the communication device that they will eventually be able to break down, as described in the section above. For example, phrases like ‘let’sgotothepark’ and ‘wannadrinkofwater’ are more useful for a gestalt language processor than single words like ‘park’ or ‘water’.  We know that gestalt language processors develop language first by breaking sentences apart before they’ll need single words.  

Media Clips 

Many gestalt language processors love media and videos because of the rich intonation and because they can listen to it again and again. Adding gestalts from media can be very meaningful and can help to motivate them to use their communication device. Consider adding sound or video clips related to the person’s interests or the original source of their gestalts into the communication device.  

Intonation 

Gestalt language processors are very attuned to intonation and music. Intonation is an important part of early gestalts. Most pre-programmed voices on communication devices can be monotone or sound very computerised. If the communication device has buttons with high intonation, consider adding these. An example of this is Acapela’s ‘Voice Smileys‘. Alternatively, you can record your own voice or the voice of a similarly aged person or child to add extra intonation.  

Special Interests 

It is important to include the person’s special interests and spend time personalising the communication device for them. This might mean making folders or pages that are dedicated to their special interests and the things that they love. 

Keep Old Gestalts 

As the person moves through the stages of gestalt language processing, remember not to remove any of their old gestalts. People often need to go back to and use their old or original gestalts for regulation, comfort, and security. 

Look to the Future 

It is important not to remove the single words that come pre-programmed when adding gestalts and phrases. Both single words and phrases will be needed as the person’s language develops.  

Further Information 

More information about Gestalt Language Processing can be found on the Communication Development Center website. 

More in-depth advice about AAC and Gestalt Language Processing can be found through courses such as Meaningful Speech | AAC for Gestalt Language Processors Course. 

Polly Walsh – Senior Speech and Language therapist and mother to Issy, a GLP and AAC user 

Christina Cannon – Senior Speech and Language therapist and honorary auntie to Issy