Rapid Prompting Method, also called RPM or Soma®RPM, is a communication and skill development tool for autistic children and adults.

Soma Mukhopadhyay, whose son Tito is autistic and non-speaking, developed RPM in the 1990s to enable Tito to communicate and develop academically. Since then, Tito’s poetry and other writings have given us incredible insights into his experience of autism and the way he sees the world.

Soma®RPM has continued to expand and grow across the world. While RPM began as a method for non-speaking children,the techniques have been adapted for both children and adults with a range of complex speech behaviours.

Autistic children and adults often communicate in complex ways. They might not speak at all, use repetitive or seemingly random speech patterns, or vary from day to day.

Terms like “non-verbal autism” can be unhelpful. People with complex speech, whether children or adults, are often able to speak clearly and fluently – just in different ways. Complexities in verbal speech, issues with motor control or inability to perform certain activities don’t necessarily indicate an autistic person’s intelligence or attention.

The Rapid Prompting Method assumes that everyone has the capacity to learn, think and understand. RPM gives autistic people an avenue to communicate when typical speech is not available to them.

Using RPM, autistic children and adults can show their capacity for learning and develop their voice beginning with letterboard communication.

Like many teaching methods, RPM starts simply and increases in complexity as the student gains skills. Initially, the RPM facilitator shares information on a topic of interest and asks questions. The autistic person learns to first make choices, then, spell out their responses through pointing at a letters on a letterboard, letter stencil, using speech, or typing.

From there, RPM works with the student’s verbal and motor abilities to develop a customised skill-building program. This might include typing, handwriting, speech, hobbies and daily activities including building social connections.

The aim is for students to become more independent in communication and living skills, and to be able to participate in things that interest them. At Autism On Point, we’re happy to work with you or your child and help you achieve your goals.