In this enlightening episode of Thriving on the Spectrum, host Tracey Hawkins sits down with Jacquelyn Rose Vorndran, a speech-language therapist and the founder of Brave Roots Speech Therapy. Miss Jacq, as she is affectionately known, opens up about a different way of understanding language development in autistic children: gestalt language processing (GLP). This episode is a must-listen for parents and professionals seeking a new perspective on how their children learn to communicate and connect with the world around them.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• What is Gestalt Language Processing? Miss Jacq breaks down the difference between traditional analytic language development and GLP, which is characterized by a child learning in "chunks" or whole phrases. She explains how this can manifest as delayed echolalia, where a child uses a phrase they heard before to communicate a meaning tied to a feeling or a past experience.
• The Stages of Language Development: The episode walks through the stages of GLP, from the initial "copy-and-paste" phrases to the later stages where children begin to break down those phrases into single words and eventually, their own novel and original sentences. This reframes what might seem like a regression as a critical and beautiful step forward in language acquisition.
• Understanding Play and Behavior: Tracey and Miss Jacq discuss how GLP isn't just about language; it's a way of processing the world. They explore the concept of "episodes," or whole-event experiences, and how understanding these patterns in a child’s play can provide profound insights into their communication, emotional regulation, and inner world.
• Finding the Right Support: Miss Jacq offers valuable guidance for parents on how to identify therapists who are knowledgeable about GLP and other neurodiversity-affirming approaches. She shares resources and a message of empowerment, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and to find a support system that truly understands and respects their child's unique way of learning.

Go to Tracey's website to check her out here!