PROMPT

PROMPT is a hands-on technique that allows a therapist to help the child shape the movement required for a sound or word. This technique is useful for those clients diagnosed with Apraxia, Autism, Dysarthria and speech delay. During the initial evaluation, a sound and/or word list is developed based on the child’s skills and these become the starting place for prompting. Parents/caregivers are trained in the use of PROMPT and are encouraged to begin using the technique within the evaluation session.

Debra Beckman Technique

Beckman releases are techniques involving input at the site of the frenulums found throughout the oral-facial complex. This is a specialized technique and allows for greater mobility in the muscles. Beckman stretches are a set of 26 different facial stretches designed to target muscle movement required for speech productions. When utilizing releases and stretches, the goal is to improve tone, range of motion and strength to allow for improved expressive language and articulation skills. These exercises are "passive" meaning that the child is not doing the work. It is like a massage being done to the face. Even the most defensive, sensory-sensitive child is accepting of this input. These techniques are useful with a wide range of disorders including Autism, Apraxia, Cerebral Palsy, Articulation Disorder, Stuttering, Down's Syndrome and Dysarthria.

Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson Protocols

These protocols are not passive and require the child to provide active input. The protocols range from horns, straws and bite sticks to oral-nasal contrasts and drooling remediation protocols. The children love the fun that horns and straws bring into the therapy session and makes it easy to do homework. These techniques are useful with a wide range of disorders including Autism, Apraxia, Cerebral Palsy, Articulation Disorder, Stuttering, Down's Syndrome and Dysarthria.

Interactive Metronome (IM)

This is a computer-based technique in which the child wears a headphone and tries to clap and/or step along to a beat played through the headphones. There is visual reinforcement on the computer screen and auditory reinforcement provided through the headphones. IM is useful with a wide range of disorders including Autism, Apraxia, Auditory Processing and Stuttering. It has also been used successfully in context with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy to help work on stability and balance goals.