Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

RPM uses rapid-fire prompting to initiate a child's response through the use of a low-tech alphabet board for spelled communication.  RPM, created by Soma Mukhopadhyay, is used to activate the reasoning part of the brain so that the child becomes engaged in learning.  It is recommended that parents start using RPM at home by reading their child's familiar and beloved childhood books as well as age appropriate curriculum.  Typically, a lesson begins with reading a few sentences related to a single topic or focus.  Next, a question is asked of the topic.  Then, possible answers are initially written on paper.  The teacher taps the choices of answers while reading them out loud, and then encourages the student to select one.  As the child becomes more advanced answers are spelled on letter boards.  This eventually leads to open-ended communication.

Related Sites

www.halo-soma.org  Halo is a non-profit organization that provides the RPM.  You will be able to navigate this website to learn about RPM and purchase materials.
http://autism.about.com/od/alternativetreatmens/f/rpm.htm  This web page is a one page answer to the question, What is Rapid Prompting Method for treating Autism?
http://rpmplus.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx  RPM+ for Autism & Other Disabilities, LLC provides videos of students using the RPM+ approach.

Books

Developing Communication for Autism Using Rapid Prompting Method-Guide For Effective Language  by Soma Mukhopadhyay.
Description:  This book is a step-by-step guide towards developing communication using RPM.  Communication is an essential part of life and individuals with autism should not be left behind despite that their stimulations and motor skills may not respond in the same way as "typical" individuals.  Success comes with practice and practicing the steps of communication in this book this will help teachers, students and parents.
Curriculum Guide for Autism Using RPM  by Soma Mukhopadhyay.
Description: A Curriculum Guide to Autism using Rapid Prompting Method is a syllabus guide for anyone who is interested in teaching individuals affected by Autism.  The syllabus is prepared through careful consultation of different curriculums used in schools.  The entire syllabus is divided into 7 levels instead of 10, so that students who are older and are introduced to education later in their lives, may not feel inferior by seeing themselves doing the second or third grade curriculum.  The book includes 10 Teaching-Plans in English, 10 in Social Sciences and 10 in Science.
Understanding Autism through Rapid Prompting Method  by Soma Mukhopadhyay.
Description: This groundbreaking book describes Soma's innovative technique, and for the first time in print, offers parents and educators a step-by-step guide to implementing this life-changing teaching methodology.  It explores the science behind Soma's uniquely effective approach, and it gives how-to instructions for designing and implementing RPM lessons with various types of learners.  Understanding Autism Through Rapid Prompting Method is a pivotal manual for educating persons with autism; it breaks down all barriers that have so long kept them in silent isolation.

Tools

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Nfiap3a7Tuo  This is a 60 Minutes on CBS clip, which interviews and showcases Soma and Tito Mukhcopadhyay using RPM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=I5p6JfCYwjw  This is a short documentary on Joey Lowenstein, a child with Autism, and how RPM changed his life.
http://www.halo-soma.org/store.php?sess_id=807e25b50c1ab79f1c40ec67ed4784c9  At this site, letter boards, stencils, books, and other materials can be purchased at the halo-soma store.

Parent Forums

(Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.)
Forum Name:  SOMA RPM Parent Forum
http://www.halo-soma.org/community_forum.php?sess_id=e701cd505e8ef67cb6418e3d0911a097   This is a forum for parents using the SOMA RPM web site.
Forum Name:  Well-Trained Mind Community: Parent posts regarding RPM use
http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/477450-rapid-prompting-method-any-users/  You can ask and answer questions about Rapid Prompting Method at this web site.