Systematic Review of Interventions Based on Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition (GLP/NLA): Clinical Implications of Absence of Evidence and Cautions for Clinicians and Parents

This systematic review aimed to determine whether interventions related to Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition (GLP/NLA) are effective for individuals with communication disability in relation to their language, communication, or behavior.

Eighteen scientific databases and three clinical trial registries were searched. Records were also collected located through open calls, hand search of reference lists, a general web search, and topic domain websites. Only commentary papers, editorials, and book chapters or books describing GLP/NLA were located. The systematic search and review of records identified no empirical research evaluating the effectiveness of approaches related to GLP/NLA.

There is an apparent lack of empirical evidence in the form of treatment studies to examine, evaluate, or support NLA for children identified as ‘gestalt language processors’ or ‘GLPs’. Clinicians working with children with neurodevelopmental communication disability have an ethical responsibility to ensure parents are informed of the apparent lack of research into these practices.