Gestalt, Echolalia, Hyperlexia, and Scripting
In my previous blog I talked about gestalt processing. A gestalt is a multi-word chunk that a speaker hears, stores, and uses as a whole before having knowledge or awareness of its internal structures e.g., phonemes or meaning. Autistic learners are likely to be gestalt processors repeating language in chunks to communicate (echolalia) and also are likely to be able to recognise words as whole words without having to break them down into sounds (hyperlexia).
Gestalt, Echolalia, Hyperlexia, and Scripting
One of the defining features of neuro divergent 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).
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.
Neurodiverse Affirming Teaching Practices - Part 2
Neurodiverse Affirming Teaching Practice is synonymous with developmentally appropriate teaching practice. When the focus of learning shifts away from chronological age expectations to developmental stage understanding learning becomes more relevant, appropriate, and engaging.
Read Part 2 to look into how Rachel’s classroom experience could have been different…
Neurodiverse Affirming Teaching Practices - Part 1
On her second day in the class, Rachel’s teacher explained that the class will ‘write’ about their holidays. The class was provided with ‘writing’ books that consisted of blue lined A4 exercise books.
Rachel stared out the window remembering her holiday at the beach with her family. Her teacher’s loud reminder to start writing abruptly brought Rachel back to her classroom. She looked down at her page and saw a sea of blue lines.
Becoming an Ed/Dev Psychologist
Today I celebrated my official endorsement as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. This is a significant step in my professional development and has been over 2 years in the making.
Flying Under the Radar – Why Autism / ADHD is often missed
There are many reasons why someone can come to an Autism /ADHD diagnosis later in life.
In my clinical work supporting late diagnosed neurodivergent adults I have come to understand and learn more about how and why neurodivergent individuals miss a diagnosis in childhood. If you have ever wondered if you might be neurodivergent, read more of this blog and our work with our ND-AE package to help adults embark on a journey of greater self-discovery.