1st Edition
Gestalt Language Processing Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent Children with Natural Language Acquisition
This book invites the reader to explore Natural Language Acquisition for Gestalt Language Processors. It clearly sets out the stages of Gestalt Language Processing and the steps in therapy to effectively help neurodivergent children, young people and adults to move on with their language development, supporting them to become independent and creative language users.
A wealth of real-life examples and in-depth case studies bring theory to life and allow practitioners to apply the principles to the children they know. Chapters include:
· A detailed description of each stage of Natural Language Acquisition and a summary of the research background.
· Clear and comprehensive guides to scoring language samples and tracking progress
· AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) options, and supports for developing literacy.
· Consideration of regulation and movement supports.
· Handouts for use in practice, with extra content available online.
Gestalt Language Processing is an invaluable resource for any Speech and Language Therapist, parent or teacher who is looking to further their knowledge and transform the language support they offer to autistic and neurodivergent children.
1. An Introduction to Gestalt Language Processing 2. Identification and Partnership 3. Foundational Principles 4. Taking and Scoring a Language Sample 5. Stage 1: Language Gestalts 6. Stage 2: Mitigations 7. Stage 3: Referential Single Words 8. Stage 4: Generation of First Sentences 9. Stages 5 and 6: Complex to Complete Grammar 10. Regulation Supports 11. GLP and Access to Speech 12. GLP and AAC 13. GLP and Literacy 14. Supporting Older GLPs 15. Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
Biography
Alidon Battye is a Speech and Language Therapist with 25 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent children. She is the author of 3 previous highly respected books on AAC and self-care for Allied Health Professionals. Alison regularly supervises other SLTs, provides training and attends speaking events to further awareness of AAC and language development for autistic and neurodivergent children.
"If it feels like your child’s language doesn’t follow the usual development pattern, then this is the book for you. Ali provides us with the tools to help our children to develop spontaneous language. My son is one of the children in this book and the joy on his face when he creates new language is something that I treasure. There is so much hope embedded in the GLP approach to speech therapy and it demands that we provide so much more than functional language to our children. Above all though, it allows our children to be children while we are doing it."
Charlotte Beavitt, parent
"Ali's approach is empathic, flexible, sensitive, trusting and fun. With her deep understanding of Gestalt Processing, she has met our 6 year old son exactly where he is on his speech development journey. Ali has mindfully equipped us as a family, with the tools and knowledge that benefits us, while not overwhelming us.
Our son is always so excited to go to 'Ali's house'! for his therapy sessions.
There is no doubt, in the words of Barry Prizant, Ali 'get's it'. "
Parent
"Ali’s book is an absolutely fantastic and accessible resource for parents of gestalt language processors. It’s highly informative, clear and detailed and breaks down the complexities of the stages into a comprehensible and practical way. Reading through the chapters resonated with our first-hand experience as parents and was both validating and eye-opening in allowing us to learn and understand more. The use of case studies is especially useful to trace through language samples and understand the different stages of natural language acquisition. Ali is incredibly knowledgeable in this field and her book is a must-have for understanding gestalt language processing and how to provide the right support in a neurodiversity-affirming way."
Michelle, parent
"An essential resource for speech and language therapists, educators and parents, this book on gestalt Language processing offers a comprehensive journey through the stages and nuances of how some children acquire language. With its clear explanations, real life case studies, and practical strategies, it empowers readers to feel confident supporting gestalt language development. Ali’s depth of knowledge and passion for the subject shines throughout the book. She makes complex theories easy to understand. This book is an invaluable guide for anyone dedicated to supporting Gestalt Language Processors."
Julie Holmes, Speech and Language Therapist
"This book is so positive and detailed. As I read it, I was able to think about and reflect on children I work with. This book encourages our intuition as therapists; to develop a trusting relationship with a child; to allow space, to be in their world and take time to ‘get (understand) them. This has lifted me and made me optimistic for my future support of children who may be GLPs."
Kathryn Seeney, Speech and Language Therapist
"Ali’s book has helped me immensely to understand the phenomenon that is Gestalt Language Processing. I knew about GLP previously but was too under-confident to start to really embrace this in my sessions. As a private Speech and Language Therapist, I feel I should “know it all” to advise my commissioners. Ali’s book has made me feel at ease knowing this doesn’t have to be the case as I now appreciate, we are ALL still learning about GLP. Ali enables calm reading with her examples and gives excellent practical advice for easy-to-use takeaways."
Becky Sherrington, Speech and Language Therapist
"Such a helpful read! As someone who is new to working with GLP, this book gave me such insight into how everything works and some wonderful ideas on activities to do at each stage. Would highly recommend!"
Maddi English, Speech and Language Therapist
"A comprehensive guide to supporting Gestalt Language Processors, this valuable resource has everything you need to know about working with Gestalt Language Processors and providing support in a neurodiversity affirming way, it explains everything you need to know about GLP in a really accessible way with loads of practical ideas and solutions."
Jess Wates, Speech and Language Therapist
"Ali cuts through a complex set of ideas to make it easily understood by the reader. The easy read format has led me to feel confident in beginning to use the theory with my own clients and keen to learn more about this interesting but very practical approach."
Hazel Howell, Speech and Language Therapist
"GLP can be daunting and seem complex. This book is so practical, with easy to understand examples that help everyone to understand the stages of NLA. The section of scoring was especially helpful: it allows us to gain an accurate sample for scoring and setting goals for practice."
Karen Royle, Speech and Language Therapist
"This is a generous, well-researched and highly accessible resource. As well as providing background information, further reading recommendations and useful handouts, it contains clear and user-friendly advice on how to deliver interventions; from how to take case histories, to assessment, to monitoring and measuring progress, with a firm emphasis throughout on the importance of taking a person-centred approach."
Juliette Goodman, Speech and Language Therapist
