Today’s episode advocates for a relational and holistic approach to literacy for Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs). The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, a literacy specialist and autistic GLP, argues against traditional, drill-based phonics instruction, emphasising that language acquisition for GLPs is social, lived, and creative. Dr. Hoerricks outlines three core strategies for fostering GLP literacy: echoing with respect, offering models of thought and feeling, and integrating multimodality through rhythm, gesture, and movement. She underscores that by honoring GLPs’ natural way of processing language and providing supportive, everyday interactions, educators and parents can help them flourish as complete language users. Her personal experiences as an autistic GLP and parent of one further illustrate the effectiveness of these methods. Ultimately, she posits that literacy for GLPs is not about “catching up” but about making meaning through connection and creativity.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/echoes-that-open-doors-everyday-strategies
Let me know what you think.
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