Gestalt, Echolalia, Hyperlexia, and Scripting
Understanding differences in ND communication
One of the defining features of neurodivergent learners can be found in the way language is processed. Typically, language is learned or processed via learning speech sounds (phonemes) and letter patterns (graphemes). This learning starts off with single letters and sounds and eventually as language develops letters and sounds are blended to make different sounds and eventually words.
If you are autistic however, chances are you learn in a different way. Typically, language is learned in chunks (gestalts), that are stored as a whole and repeated (echolalia) in order to communicate. Autistic learners are therefore likely to be hyperlexic which means being able to read unfamiliar or difficult words quite easily. If you are autistic you may also find that learning language scripts are useful in dialogue with others. They are helpful when entering and leaving a conversation and in supporting or maintaining conversations.
Here are some examples of gestalt processing in everyday contexts. I wonder how many resonate with you?
You learned to read before you started school (usually without instruction)
You could retell a story from your favourite picture book by looking at the picture and remembering the text almost word for word
You spoke in complete sentences from a young age
You used advanced vocabulary in comparison to others your age
You picked up accents relatively easily and may have used an American or English accent (all the time)
You may have blended words together and used them as a whole e.g., ‘pleaseandthankyou’ ‘saltandpepper’
You may have loved repetition and rhyme (and still do)
You may easily mishear the sounds in a word and repeat them incorrectly none the wiser e.g., eggers (escalators) , pie-ster (spider), ankle grinder (angel grinder)
You may have enjoyed repeating these interesting words and phrases and adults may have assumed you were speaking different languages
You may have talked early, and your first words were somewhat idiosyncratic (e.g. my son’s first words were ‘mobile phone’ and my daughter’s were ‘whatsthatnoise’)
You may know a word is spelled incorrectly by noticing it just doesn’t look right
You may be able to play piano or any instrument by ear (listening only) and not be able to read sheet music
You may be able to speak another language easily in comparison to writing it
You may remember your pin number by the pattern it makes when you tap it out and not on the order of digits
You may be a big picture learner which means you need to know contextually why you are learning something before you can learn it and retain it
You may enjoy repeating quotes from your favourite show or film in conversation with others to communicate a point or express your feelings
You may have had a reading age years ahead of your chronological age however, comprehension was typical or below average
Autistic language learners are usually holistic language learners. This means a focus on phonics (small parts of language) may not support autistic learners in the same way as neurotypical learners. In my next blog I will talk about language practices that support language learning for autistic kiddos.
Stay tuned!
If you would like to explore this topic further with Belinda, please contact Badger’s Place via our Contact Form or email: admin@badgers.place.
