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WHAT IS RPM?

Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) was created by Soma Mukhopadhyay to help her son with autism learn and express himself. She founded Halo in Austin, Texas and conducts workshops all across the country.

 

RPM is not a cure for autism and does not promise speech. All students begin with academic lessons and work towards the goal of open communication. Every student learns at a different pace and must work through their specific challenges on their path to open communication.

 

Importantly, caregivers must realize that the teacher will prompt the student while the student learns the method, but this prompting will decrease as the student masters the skill and the method never uses a full hand prompt.

 

To learn more about Soma, Halo, and RPM click on the picture of the letter board below.

 

The teacher identifies and uses the open communication channels of the child to teach lessons. To limit and control the sensory stimulation, begin RPM in a quiet room with minimal distractions.

 

At first, the lessons will follow a teach-ask flow where information is read to the student and then they are asked a question then prompted through their response, either using choices or by choosing letters.

 

As the student learns the method, the lessons will morph to allow for open ended responses and eventually creative writing. As the student progresses, the teacher will decrease the prompts.

 

Students should practice RPM with several facilitators, especially caregivers.

 

Parents can begin RPM before seeing a professional or Soma. First, interact with your child at an age appropriate level, even if they cannot express that they understand. Second, read the RPM books. Third, create a short lesson and ask questions. Guide your child through the lesson, keeping in mind that they understand but cannot necessarily control their motor skills, yet.

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