Episode 357: Where the Echo Lives—Recognizing Gestalt Language Processing Early
Today’s episode explores the concept of gestalt language processing (GLP), a way individuals acquire and use language. The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, who is an AuDHD GLP, shares her insights on how to recognise GLP in students, often at early stages, even when traditional assessment methods fail to do so. She emphasises that GLPs process language in "chunks" or "scripts", rather than word-by-word, often repeating phrases from various sources like shows or songs. Dr. Hoerricks highlights the limitations of current educational systems in identifying GLPs, as assessments are typically designed for analytic language processors, leading to misinterpretations of GLP students' abilities and behaviours. She advocates for a shift in perspective, urging educators to “listen for patterns” and “poetic fluency” rather than solely focusing on phonics and decoding skills, to better understand and support GLP learners. Ultimately, she aims to provide a different “map” for recognising GLP as a valid and valuable form of language processing, promoting dignity and attunement over traditional diagnostic approaches.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/where-the-echo-lives-the-early-signsLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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Episode 356: The Unseen Language—Gestalt Processing in Education
Today’s episode explores the challenges faced by gestalt language processors (GLPs) within an educational system designed for analytic processors. The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, shares her personal experiences of being misunderstood and mislabeled as a child due to her use of scripts as a form of language acquisition. She argues that schools systemically refuse to acknowledge GLPs, leading to functional illiteracy and a profound sense of misrecognition for these students. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for educators to recognise and scaffold GLP learning paths, treating scripts as legitimate communication, and ultimately working towards an inclusive educational future where literacy is understood as having multiple valid pathways. Her writing aims to bring visibility to GLPs and reform the current educational paradigm that often leaves them unseen and underserved.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-unfortunate-icebreaker-what-iLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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Episode 355: Beyond the Memes—Reclaiming Gestalt Language Processing
Today’s episode critiques the widespread “meme-ification” of autism on social media, arguing that these simplified portrayals collapse the distinct concept of gestalt language processing (GLP) into a generic understanding of autism. The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, explains that GLP is a specific language pathway where individuals process and store language in whole phrases or “gestalts,” often manifesting as literal interpretation, scripting, and echolalia. This is often mislabeled as solely “autistic traits,” despite a majority of autistic people being GLPs and a significant minority of neurotypicals also exhibiting GLP. Dr. Hoerricks contends that this erasure of GLP has severe consequences for literacy education, as traditional analytical teaching methods fail GLPs and can lead to misdiagnosis as a learning disability, ultimately blaming the individual rather than the unsuitable system. She advocates for reframing these traits as a legitimate communication pathway and for the implementation of literacy instruction that respects the GLP pathway, moving beyond mere recognition to provide essential tools and understanding.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-meme-ification-of-autism-andLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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Episode 354: Building the Non-Sexist City—Housing as a Human Right
Today’s episode explores the historical and contemporary challenges of housing and urban planning, centring on the concept of a ‘non-sexist city’ proposed by Dolores Hayden. It contrasts Hayden’s vision for collectivised care and shared resources within communities with the isolating and consumerist design of suburban living, and also examines the Soviet Union’s post-WWII housing program, which prioritised basic needs and accessibility despite scarcity. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques the modern “abundance bros” approach, arguing that it primarily benefits private equity by enclosing housing as an asset class, leading to increased rent cycles and decreased affordability for everyday families. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks suggests that reclaiming housing as a human right and a foundation for community is essential for future generations, drawing a direct link between urban design, social equality, and economic justice.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/what-would-a-non-sexist-city-be-likeLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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Episode 353: Autism—Context Clarity, Not Blindness
Today’s episode critiques the prevailing narrative of autism as a deficit, particularly the concept of “context blindness.” It argues that this label reflects neurotypical reliance on vague and indirect communication rather than an inherent autistic failing. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, asserts that autistic directness and a preference for clarity are often misinterpreted as a lack of understanding. Dr. Hoerricks further challenges the historical and methodological biases in autism research, highlighting how studies often create a deficit by measuring autistic individuals against neurotypical social norms. Ultimately, she advocates for a reassessment of autistic communication as a distinct and valid form of interaction, rather than something needing “correction” through interventions like ABA.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/autism-and-context-blindness-maybeLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
AutSide: A podcast from an autistic trans woman that explores critical issues at the intersection of autism, neurodiversity, gender, and social justice. Dive deep into the realities of living as an autistic adult, critiques of education systems, and the power of storytelling to reshape public narratives. With a unique blend of snark, sharp analysis, and personal experience, each episode challenges societal norms, from the failures of standardized testing to the complexities of identity and revolution. Join the conversation on AutSide, where lived experience and critical theory meet for change. autside.substack.com
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