#129 - Breaking the Prompt Cycle: Supporting Gestalt Language Processors Through Silence and Connection With Alexandria Zachos

Hi there, and welcome back to the Autism Little Learners podcast! I’m Tara Phillips, and today I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Alexandria Zachos for an amazing conversation all about Gestalt Language Processing.

We talk about how our understanding of language development has evolved, the real struggles around prompt dependence, and why a child-led approach is so important—especially for Gestalt language processors. Alexandria shares so many helpful insights, including how we can better support these communicators by building authentic connections and honoring all the ways they express themselves.

Whether you’re a therapist, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with practical strategies to encourage spontaneous language and support meaningful communication. I’m so excited for you to hear this one!

Takeaways

• Gestalt Language Processing is a natural way of developing language.

• Many SLPs are unaware of Gestalt Language Development despite its long history.

• Prompt dependence often stems from traditional teaching strategies.

• Child-led therapy is essential for fostering spontaneous communication.

• Silence can be a powerful tool in therapy sessions.

• Acknowledging all forms of communication builds trust with children.

• Using a child's Gestalt can enhance engagement and communication.

• Therapists should focus on the child's interests to promote language use.

• It's never too late to shift from prompt dependence to child-led approaches.

• Building authentic relationships is key to effective communication.

Bio

Alexandria Zachos is the founder, clinical director, owner, and senior speech-language pathologist with Social Butterfly Inc. and Meaningful Speech® She has been a practicing SLP for 21 years and has worked extensively with gestalt language processors since 2016, utilizing Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition protocol. She educates SLPs, parents, and related professionals through her social media platforms, podcasts, blogs, and her internationally acclaimed courses on http://Meaningfulspeech.com/. When she's not wearing her SLP hat she enjoys reading fiction, walking in the woods and spending time with her husband and daughters around Chicagoland.

Links

• Meaningfulspeech.com for everything!

• https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/free-resources for our free masterclass, free AAC+GLP beginner's guide, our blog, research & resources, podcasts, interviews, and webinars

• http://meaningfulspeech.com/course for our internationally acclaimed original GLP + child-led course (now over 30+ PDH and all USA SLPs need for their 3-year ASHA cycle!)

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