Gestalt Language Processing, Natural Language Acquisition & the State of Research with Marge Blanc

 

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of chatting with Marge Blanc about Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA). Marge has spent over 50 years supporting children's language development, and her openness and curiosity have shaped so much of what we know today. We discuss how paying close attention to children's unique communication and interactions can inform how we support them.

 

We cover these areas and more:

 

• Key terms - Marge defines GLP, ALP, and NLA
• History and shifts in our understanding of GLP and NLA
• The state of research and the various forms that our 'evidence' can and should take
• Research gaps and future directions
• Responding to critics of NLA and GLP
• Simple and deeply important strategies to support Autistic children - for parents and professionals

 

This episode is an insightful overview of 'where we've been and where we're going'... and my deep overt admiration for Marge's work! Whether you're a speech therapist, educator, or parent, you'll come away inspired to support Neurodivergent children in meaningful, individualised ways.

 

Marge and I would both love to hear your feedback and thoughts, so feel free to email me [e-mail] or get in touch with us on Instagram - Marge is @blancmarge and I'm @play.learn.chat

 

Links and resources discussed:

The Communication Development Center: https://communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/

The Speech Den Gestalt Language Processors Conference: https://register.glpconference.co.uk/gestalt-language-processors-2024-conference

Barry Prizant's articles about Echolalia: https://barryprizant.com/resources/downloads/echolalia-articles/

Marge Blanc's article 'Finding the Words to tell the "whole" story - Natural Language Acquisition on the Autism Spectrum(2005) https://communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Finding-the-words-to-tell-the-whole-story.pdf

Uniquely Human Podcast Episode 114 - Marge Blanc and Alex Zachos speaking with Barry Prizant - .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}