Not everything in the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework is contradictory to a behavioral approach. Some strategies that GLP advocates support are in line with what I teach in my Verbal Behavior approach and the Mary Barbera Method. These include:
- Engaging in preferred activities: Physical play and activities that children enjoy can naturally boost language development.
- Being animated and fun: Keeping interactions lively and engaging is a key part of teaching language in a child-friendly way.
- Focusing on the child’s interests: Observing and responding to a child’s favorite topics and activities can help guide language teaching.
4. There Are Disagreements on How to Teach Language to GLPs
While some NLA strategies align with my approach, there are several aspects I disagree with, especially around how to teach children in the early stages of language development. For example, in Stage 1 of the NLA framework, it’s recommended to avoid modeling single words. Instead, they suggest focusing on multi-word scripts or chunks.
In my experience, teaching single words before combining them into phrases leads to more functional language. I’ve seen firsthand, in both my clients and my own son, how effective this method can be. Encouraging children to use single words early on helps build a strong foundation, allowing more complex language to develop naturally over time.
5. There’s No Need for a Completely Separate Approach
Although many children with autism may fall under the category of gestalt language processors, there’s no evidence to suggest they need an entirely different system for learning language. In fact, I’ve found that the strategies I teach in my behavioral approach are highly effective for children who communicate using scripts or echolalia.
For instance, my four-step approach helps children not only with language acquisition but also with other important areas like social skills, potty training, and reducing problem behaviors. Many parents have joined my courses after being told their child is a GLP, and they’ve seen significant progress using methods based on science and evidence.
What are the Six Stages of Natural Language Acquisition?
The NLA framework, developed by Marge Blanc, outlines six stages through which gestalt language processors supposedly acquire language. Here’s a brief overview:
- Stage 1: Children use scripts or chunks of language they’ve heard from media or people.
- Stage 2: They begin to break down these chunks and combine them in new ways.
- Stage 3: Two-word combinations emerge.
- Stage 4: Children start to use three-word combinations and demonstrate more creativity in their speech.
- Stage 5: Complex sentences begin to form.
- Stage 6: The child uses more natural and flexible language.
While these stages are interesting to consider, it’s important to remember that there’s no solid evidence suggesting this is the only way children with autism or echolalia acquire language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gestalt Language Processing
1. What is a gestalt language processor?
A gestalt language processor (GLP) is a child who acquires language in multi-word chunks or scripts, rather than learning individual words first. This concept contrasts with the more traditional analytic language learning style.
2. Do children with autism need a different approach to language teaching?
Not necessarily. While some children with autism may exhibit gestalt language processing, evidence suggests that they can benefit from strategies used in behavioral approaches like ABA, without needing a completely separate system.
3. What is Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)?
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) is a framework developed to explain how gestalt language processors supposedly acquire language in six stages. It focuses on teaching children through scripts and multi-word chunks before moving to single-word utterances.
4. Is there a way to assess if a child is a gestalt language processor?
There is currently no standardized assessment to determine whether a child is a GLP. Experts recommend focusing on each child’s unique strengths and needs when developing a language intervention plan.
5. Can ABA and GLP approaches be combined?
Yes, many principles from ABA, such as focusing on a child’s interests and using preferred activities, align well with GLP strategies. Parents and professionals can create individualized plans that incorporate aspects from both approaches to support language development.
