Using the Natural Language Acquisition Protocol to Support Gestalt Language Development

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe gestalt language development, a natural style of language acquisition, and describe how the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) protocol can be used to support autistic and non-autistic individuals with language development. NLA builds on previous research findings and is used to detail and quantify the stages of gestalt language development. Method: This article is based on a review of the literature that describes echolalia and the language acquisition process of individuals who develop language in a gestalt style. Results: For years, autistic people have been sharing about their lived experiences with acquiring language through “scripts” and “ echolalia.” Collaborating with families and establishing a connection based on trust between the clinician and the child are essential components of supporting gestalt language development and are at the core of NLA. Conclusions: Clinicians can use the strategies outlined in NLA to support language development in gestalt language processors. In the interest of not excluding autistic people or underrepresented groups, it is necessary to change the traditional sequence of research to include marginalized communities such as multilingual and international populations in future studies regarding gestalt language development.