RPM helps autistic kids communicate

Evan Danielski's RPM or Rapid Prompting Method instructor Jackie Dorshorst explained what RPM is and how it works with students with autism. She said Evan has made great strides in being able to spell out his own thoughts and feelings at school.

Rapid Prompting Method is a learning activity for those with autism to improve verbal communication skills.

Instructors start by training students to understand facts such as "The sky is blue." They then ask the student to answer yes or no using a flashcard like system. Once the student can choose the correct answer accurately the instructor may take out a word. For example "The sky is what color?" and allows students to spell out the word 'blue' on a letter board. The process continues until the student can use the letters to spell sentences out on their own. The ultimate goal is to have students use a keyboard.

"The whole process is gradual and could take years to achieve," instructor and Waukesha native Jackie Dorshorst said. "I have several students who are able to communicate their thoughts and ideas by spelling everything they want to say on a letter board. These are students who are totally nonverbal or have limited verbal ability. These students may be talking their "movie talk" or humming or singing while we do our lessons or conversations, but they are still able to spell on the board. It is quite amazing to watch. It has been an incredible journey. I want the whole world to know how smart and aware people with autism are!"