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 based upon how the brain works. By identifying a student’s open learning channel (ex. visual or auditory) the teacher aims to stimulate left-brain learning. An RPM session focuses on learning despite a student’s stims/behaviors.
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, students learn age-appropriate academics. This occurs through the use of 2 choices and progresses to 3 and 4 choices. As the student learns what to choose and how to choose the appropriate responses at the desired time, students work on their motor skills and spelling skills through the use of letter boards/stencil boards. As students gain the confidence, success occurs and 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! We strongly encourage parents to work with their children outside of clinical sessions. RPM will give families a means in which to teach and communicate with their children.
How can I sign up for sessions with Erika?
If you are interested in signing up for RPM sessions please contact A.C.E. Teaching & Consulting via email (ace_rpm@yahoo.com) or via phone (920-884-2990) for more information.
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.
