If your child is non-speaking or minimally speaking, they could be a GLP! See this blog post for more background info.
Here are some things to look for:
Uses single words only and doesn’t combine them with others
Uses long, unintelligible strings of language with rich, adult-like intonation
Uses long gestalts/scripts they heard from songs, people, videos, books, etc.
Sing songs but doesn’t use single words on their own. GLPs pick up on intonation and love music.
Replays specific parts of a song or video over and over instead of playing the whole thing
Here are some great places to start if you think your child may be a GLP:
Acknowledge everything they say even if you don’t know what they’re saying:
Nodding and smiling, saying “yeah/mhmm/ok,” copying what they say out loud back to them
Figure out what they could mean:
See if their intonation and unintelligible strings match anything they watch or listen to and track when they say it (at mealtimes, during play with a specific toy or activity, or at a certain place)
Model new gestalts for them throughout the day:
Instead of modeling more single words, model longer strings of language like short phrases since it’s what they'll pick up the most
Find a SLP who understands:
Seek the guidance of a SLP who understands GLPs, is trained in Natural Language Acquisition, and utilizes child-led therapy. Luckily, Scoop Speech has a SLP that fits those needs exactly! Meaningful Speech is also a great place for more GLP information, parent courses, and more!
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