The PROMPT method

PROMPT was developed by Deborah Hayden in the late 1970’s. It is a “human philosophy that looks to create unique programs for each person based on the combination of many factors to support speech production change” (www.promptinstitute.com). At its most basic level, PROMPT is a technique that incorporates neuromotor principles, kinesthetic and proprioceptive information, as well as auditory and visual information to provide feedback to the speech system, in order for an individual to produce clear, functional speech.

The PROMPT clinician provides input to all areas of oral motor system by using touch, pressure, specific placements, as well as creating auditory and visual awareness. This helps an individual achieve controlled, functional speech. The PROMPT system has been used with phonological, developmentally delayed, dysarthric, dyspraxic, hearing‐impaired, autistic spectrum, and fluency disorders. Both children and adults have been treated using this method. PROMPT is designed to be a total therapeutic program that incorporates several different elements, (e.g., appropriate language goals, motor speech goals, positive reinforcement).

PROMPT incorporates all communication forms. The ultimate goal is functional, interactive, verbal communication.