FAQs

What is RPM?

Soma ® Rapid Prompting Method is an educational method that leads to communication. RPM is for students who are not able to effectively or reliably communicate verbally. RPM is highly individualized based on a student’s sensory profile. It can be used to teach academics, life skills, and hobbies, while focusing on developing students’ communication and motor skills. RPM allows a student to demonstrate what they have learned, thoughts, opinions, and ideas.

We teach our students to communicate through a variety of ways. Some students will respond through paper choices, some students will point to letters on a letterboard, and others will use speech, handwriting, or typing.

Who can benefit from RPM?

RPM is for persons with autism and other communication related disorders. It is beneficial for students of varying verbal abilities, including verbal, limited verbal, echolalic, unreliably verbal, and nonverbal students. Adriana works with students of all ages, skill levels, and behaviors, including aggression. RPM is highly focused on academics, so if an individual cannot discuss age appropriate academic material, RPM might be able to help.

What makes RPM different than other therapies?

RPM presumes competence in every student. We believe each student is capable of learning and has the capacity to eventually learn at or near grade level. RPM is unique in that it acknowledges the individual sensory challenges of students and utilizes their sensory strengths in order to teach effectively.

Can my child use RPM if he can’t sit still?

Yes. Each lesson is individually tailored to the student. RPM recognizes that learning is not just limited to a table and chair. A student can learn anywhere (a couch, the floor, pacing around the room, etc).

Does my child need to know how to spell in order to start RPM?

No! Some students will know the basics of spelling, while others are brand new to letters, sounds, and numbers. We will assess your child’s prior knowledge in order to work with them where they are at!

What is a letterboard?

A letterboard is a visual prompt that allows student’s to spell out what they know, what they have learned in the session, as well as any thoughts, ideas, and opinions of their own. Students spell by touching letters on the board either with their finger or a pencil.

How is RPM different than other spelling methods?

Unlike similar spelling methods, each RPM session is designed to flow like a conversation. In RPM both the teacher and student take turns participating in the session. The teacher will share a some information and then ask the student some questions around what she just shared.

In addition, RPM teachers work with students of all ages, abilities, skill sets, and temperaments. We won’t turn down a student because they can’t spell, can’t sit still, or even if they have aggression!