Safety & Gestalt Language Processing

Sep 27, 2023

It may be necessary to directly teach your child/student certain information and how to respond to certain questions in order to keep them safe. While you will often see us say that we do not recommend directly teaching language to gestalt language processors (we usually encourage natural language modeling), we want to make it clear that we do not mean that you shouldn’t teach them language that will keep them safe. Safety comes first for all children. We've collaborated with Elizabeth from Ausome Speech to bring you examples of how you can support safety with gestalt language processors.

How can we support safety?

Supporting safety might include answering questions like: “What’s your name?”, “What’s your address”, “What’s your phone number?“, etc. If the child is an AAC user, we want to make sure to add this important information to their device. Supporting safety may also include getting items for the child to have or wear that include this information or keep them safe and modeling safety concepts through play and daily routines.

Bracelets/Car/GPS/Alarms

These are all tools that may help keep a child safe. Information can be stored on and inside custom car seat strap covers. Bracelets can contain information if children are unable to relay this with spoken language. These could go on the child’s body, clothing, or their backpack. Door alarms may alert a family if a door has been opened unexpectedly. Some use a GPS watch or device on clothing or in a backpack in the event of separation.

Create a personalized book with important information

You can either work together with the child to create a personalized book or create one yourself for the child. This can include important information such as their name, address, phone number, family members, etc. It can be written in a way that supports natural language and whole phrase models, allowing the child to learn this important information in a natural way.

Add information to AAC

If the child is an AAC user, it’s important to add personal information to their AAC device. They can use it to relay information when needed, especially during emergency situations. You might consider adding their name, address, phone number, age, a parent’s contact information, and any other important information.

Concepts: Go & Stop

You could introduce this during play outside by running and stopping. Incorporate toys that can stop/go, such as sending cars down a ramp or rolling a ball. You could use music, favorite videos, and more to help connect in a meaningful way. You could also use stop signs seen on a walk or car ride. Some children elope and may need to be explicitly taught these words/concepts.

Incorporate music/interests

Find songs that have safety concepts in them such as “stop”, “go” or discuss what to do in emergency situations (i.e. there are many you can find online by searching “songs that promote safety for children”) Find episodes of their favorite shows, movies or Youtube videos that discuss safety related topics (e.g. Daniel Tiger, CocoMelon, Miss Rachel all have clips about safety) Create songs that encourage safety (e.g. a song the child can sing before they enter or cross the street). Here are some examples (this is not an exhaustive list):

Want to learn more in-depth information about how to support gestalt language processors?

1. There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website and Communication Development Center's website.
2. Consider taking the Meaningful Speech course to learn more about how your child or client processes language, how you can help support them from echolalia to self-generated (original flexible) language, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Looking for something shorter? We have a 1-hour introductory course perfect for extended family, daycare or school staff.
3. Consider taking our AAC + Gestalt Language Processing course. It will teach you how to identify, evaluate and support gestalt language processors who use AAC or who you think might benefit from AAC.
4. Look for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who "gets it" and can help you in supporting your child's language development. Check out our registry for SLPs who understand gestalt language processing and child-led therapy.
5. Are you a school-based or private practice clinician looking for intake forms for new clients/students or creative visual reminder posters for your space? Check out the Meaningful Speech Marketplace.

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