PROMPT Therapy ©

What Is PROMPT?

PROMPT - "Prompts for Restructuring Oral-Muscular Phonetic Targets" is a technique that uses tactile-kinesthetic articulatory cues (PROMPTs) on the jaw, face and under the chin, to develop or restructure speech production. The PROMPT-trained speech-language pathologist helps to manually guide articulators to help the child produce specific sounds or words. The clinician uses his/her hands to cue and stimulate articulatory movement, and at the same time helps the child eliminate any unnecessary movements.

PROMPT addresses cognitive, social, pragmatic, behavioral, sensory-motor and physical domains, using the client's strengths to maximize his/her potential for communication. The PROMPT-trained clinician examines each individual to determine how to develop improved motor control, cognitive skills and social interactions. The ultimate goal of PROMPT therapy is improved functional, interactive, verbal communication.

Who can benefit from PROMPT therapy?

Children and Adults with:

• Apraxia of Speech
• Developmental Delays
• Dysarthria
• Phonological Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Hearing Impairments

What does a typical PROMPT session with a child involve?

In the initial sessions, the child will be required to focus on the communication process. If the child is having difficulty with attention, focus, or eye contact, the therapist will implement strategies to help the child "be present."

Minimally, the child will be required to use a vowel sound in response to a request or question. The clinician may initially slow down his/her rate of speech and lengthen the response time required of the child. An imitative model is used. Once the child begins to imitate or initiate vowel sounds for the purpose of communication, Parameter PROMPTs, (which facilitate jaw/facial control and degree of articulatory movements) are provided to shape speech production.

As understanding and proficiency improve, Complex (multidimensional) and Surface (one-dimensional and transitional) PROMPTs are quickly added. Usually within a single session, therapy structure will shift from focus and attention to functional speech exercises.

What can parents do to carryover PROMPT therapy goals at home?

Parental involvement is critical to the success of PROMPT treatment. Parents are not encouraged to prompt their child and most do not feel comfortable doing so. The clinician has had specialized training in PROMPT and PROMPTing incorrectly may interfere with the achievement of therapeutic goals and frustrate their child. However, parents should be part of the therapy process. Parents are encouraged to ask their child about what he or she did in the therapy session, read the stories that were used to elicit sounds or words, play games that include well rehearsed words or phrases and finally, use the words or phrases the child has learned in other fun and natural environments. Good communication between the parent/caregiver and the clinician is essential to the success of PROMPT therapy. Parents are encouraged to observe sessions as often as possible. These observations provide a basis for discussion of the child's successes, difficulties and activities that promote speech and language opportunities.

For more information about PROMPT, visit the PROMPT Institute.

Our PROMPT trained speech-language pathologist is available to answer any questions you may have about PROMPT.

Call us today at 516-355-6001 for a free telephone consultation.