What is gestalt cognitive processing?

You may have heard of Gestalt Language Processing, but have you hear of Gestalt Cognitive Processing?

Both are commonly found amongst autistic people, understanding them and the implications for learning and development can be incredibly helpful in supporting autistic children to thrive.

A gestalt cognitive processor initially processes entire parts/configurations, before moving onto integrating individual components. We could also call this ‘big picture’ thinking.

Cognitive processing style is a huge factor in how we experience learning new things.

If you were ever that child at school doing worksheets or small activities and wondering what the purpose was (and honestly, struggling to see any meaning or value in it) - as the teacher drip fed the learning, without providing the broader context; then you may be a gestalt cognitive processor.

We are the ones who, if not taught to be quiet and comply, will continually ask 'but why'. Not to challenge, but to be able to seek the information we need to *actually learn*.

We may be the ones who complete the activities/tasks - but don't integrate the learning. Therefore, the 'learning' never makes it to long term memory. To us, it was a whole bunch of random things that we did, because we were asked to.

What can make this even more difficult for ND folks, who have brains which are interest driven, is that we're far less able to connect with the topic/learning and find it interesting.

In the absence of context to pique our interest and provide a framework for our subsequent learning - we must use sheer determination or be motivated by a fear of looking stupid or different; to drive us to complete the set 'learning'. All the while, there's a fair chance we won't have an opportunity to integrate it - so will miss out on the learning, despite our best efforts.

And perhaps, for those not as driven to comply (or those whose demand avoidant nervous systems wont allow them to) - they will simply not be able to engage with the tasks - appearing difficult, distracted, bored...etc.

Could this be you, or your little gem?