What is Soma® RPM?
The Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) is an academic teaching method that leads to communication for persons with Autism and similar disorders. The goal of each session is to bring the student to maximum learning potential through the open learning channel at the given time and provide them with an appropriate mode of response. Through the use of written choices, stencil boards, laminated letter boards, and eventually, a keyboard and/or handwriting, RPM uses prompting to initiate a student’s independent response without physical support.
Who developed Soma® RPM?
RPM was developed by Soma Mukhopadhyay, a native of India, to educate her son Tito, who in spite of his severe autism is now a published poet and author ("The Mind Tree”, “Gold of the Sunbeams" and "How Can I Talk If My Lip's Don't Move?"). At HALO (Helping Autism through Learning &Outreach) located in Austin TX, Soma has taught over a thousand students with autism and similar disorders using her trademarked academic teaching method, Soma® Rapid Prompting Method. Soma and Tito have been featured on 60 Minutes II, BBC, PBS, HBO Documentary, Good Morning America, Scientific American, CNN International, New York Times, National Geographic and numerous other media
How is RPM unique from other methods?
· RPM is distinct from other methods as it is academic teaching method based upon how the brain works.
· An RPM session focuses on learning despite a student’s stims/behaviors.
· RPM works up to and then maintains the use of age appropriate academic material for all age students.
Is RPM for only non-verbal students?
No. RPM has been used by various students on the autism spectrum and with similar disorders including verbal and non-verbal students of all ages. Non-verbal students are given a way to communicate their academic abilities as well as wants, needs, etc., while verbal students are given a way to extract the appropriate responses at the right time.
What is the common progression for students using RPM?
· All students begin by learning how to choose and what to choose; through the use of empirical and rational teaching and the use of factual, academic information. This occurs through the use of 2 choices and progresses to 3 and 4 choices.
· As the student’s motor skills, level of concentration, and spelling skills improve the use of letter boards/stencil boards are
introduced.
· As students gain the confidence, feel successful, and become proficient in academics and open ended communication students eventually progress to keyboards, handwriting, and in some cases verbalization.
Can RPM be used with students with other diagnosis or with duel diagnosis?
RPM has been used for students with Angelman Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Chromosomal abnormalities, Fragile X, and Dyslexia. Dual Diagnosis include: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, blind, and deaf. Parents who use RPM with their ASD child report borrowing some RPM concepts to teach their neuro-typical children.
Can parents be successful using RPM?
Yes! At A.C.E. we strive to teach parents and professionals the basics of RPM and how to implement the method in their home environment. We strongly encourage parents to work with their children outside of clinical sessions and to take
advantage of our consultation services to ensure they are on the right track. RPM will give families a means in which to teach and communicate with their children.
I do not live in Green Bay are there still RPM session options
for my child?
Yes, A.C.E. offers a variety of session options for families that are traveling a longer distance or cannot travel.
· RPM sessions are held on Friday and Saturdays for students who live in the Tri-state (WI, IL, MN) area, generally attending sessions once per month.
· If you are from a further distance A.C.E. offers camps in Green Bay where students receive two sessions a day for four consecutive days.
· If you are unable to travel or have a group of people interested in RPM A.C.E. offers weekend and week workshops where A.C.E. will travel to you to hold RPM sessions.
Can RPM be used in a school setting?
Yes, A.C.E. has worked with many school districts to successfully implement RPM. We offer in-person and Skype school consulting services to aid teachers and Para Professionals in learning the method and utilizing RPM with their students. During an in-person school consulting Erika will come to your school and teach the basics of how to get started with RPM, work 1:1 with students and observe teachers/Paras conducting 1:1 RPM sessions to give constructive feedback. During all school consulting A.C.E. takes into account the specific needs of each school and builds a consultation to meet those needs. Follow - up consulting can be conducted through a video conferencing program, Skype, where Erika will help the school stay on track by virtually
observing their teachers/Paras working with students, give feedback, and answer all RPM questions.
How can I sign up for sessions with Erika?
If you are interested in signing up for RPM sessions all forms are avalibile for download under the resource tab or please contact A.C.E. Teaching & Consulting via email (ace_rpm@yahoo.com) or via phone (920-884-2990).
Where can I learn even more about Soma® RPM?
If you are interested in hearing more about the method you can contact A.C.E. directly to speak with Erika or Amy. You can also visit HALO's website (www.halo-soma.org) and visit their Learning RPM section of their website. You can also purchase Soma's manual via HALO's online store to learn more about the science behind the method, as well as a step-by-step on how to get started.
