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In this episode of Coral Currents, I sat down with Emily Cohen, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and author of Playing with a Purpose, to unpack a powerful but often misunderstood topic: Gestalt Language Processing (GLP).
Like many of you, I was trained in a model of language development that emphasized single words, then two-word combinations, then full sentences — the analytic model. But what if a child’s first meaningful words aren’t “ball” or “mama,” but something like, “We’re going in the forest!”? Emily explains how these chunks of language — often rich in emotion and lifted from favorite shows or songs — are actually how many autistic children communicate, especially early on.
Emily’s biggest takeaway? Don’t dismiss these scripts. They’re not “jargon” or “nonsense.” They are communication. Our job as SLPs is to become detectives — tracking where these phrases come from, what they mean, and how we can model new, emotionally resonant language that helps these kids continue to grow.
She also breaks down exactly what early therapy looks like with GLP learners, how to involve caregivers as detectives in the process, and how to reframe our work with AAC users to reflect the gestalt model.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to support a child who “scripts” or uses media-heavy language, this episode is your sign to lean in and learn more. This conversation shifted my thinking — and I think it’ll shift yours, too.
🎧 Listen now to Episode 4 of Coral Currents: Gestalt Language Processing with Emily Cohen, SLP.
