“Today’s episode provides a profound perspective on Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) in autistic individuals, challenging conventional understandings of language development. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, an autistic adult and gestalt processor, shares their personal journey to illustrate that autistic language unfolds differently, often in a “teleological” or recursive manner, rather than the linear, chronological progression expected by neurotypical models. She contends that traditional therapeutic interventions often fail because they misinterpret GLP as a deficit instead of a unique developmental process, focusing on “fixing” rather than understanding. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that safety, not structured drills, is paramount for a gestalt processor’s language to fully emerge, arguing that years of “frozen” communication can thaw when an individual feels secure enough to express their true self. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a radical shift in perception, urging parents and professionals to honor the “long arc” of autistic development and recognise the inherent completeness and complexity of a GLP child’s communication. She challenges the systemic biases within professional training that lead to a misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment, calling for a greater reliance on the lived experiences and insights of autistic individuals.”
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-long-archive-a-letter-to-parents
Let me know what you think.
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