
09/02/2025
š What is Gestalt Language Development (GLD) + How to Support š
Some children learn language in chunks (scripts) instead of single words first. For example, instead of saying ājuiceā they might say āDo you want juice?ā These scripts are meaningful and an important step in language growth! š¬āØ
Hereās how it develops + how you can support ā¬ļø
š± Stage 1 ā Whole Gestalts (scripts/echolalia)
āļø Respond as if itās meaningful
āļø Model short, clear phrases
š± Stage 2 ā Mixed Gestalts (blending scripts)
āļø Model short, useful sentences
āļø Offer choices (āJuice or water?ā)
š± Stage 3 ā Single Words/Chunks
āļø Narrate daily activities
āļø Celebrate word useādonāt push grammar yet
š± Stage 4 ā Original Grammar
āļø Expand gently (āGo parkā ā āYes, letās go to the park!ā)
āļø Keep modeling natural grammar
š” Remember: Echolalia is not ājust repeatingāāitās communication and a building block toward flexible speech. Respect the scripts, follow the childās lead, and keep modeling! š§”