Approaches to Autism, S1E8: Soma Rapid Prompting Method (RPM)

Oct 6

Do you know a non-vocal child on the autism spectrum? Our very own US Autism Association Advisory Board member and Non-Vocal Advocate Sameer Dahar and US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore and Rob Bernstein are joined by Erika Anderson to discuss the RPM method. Erika is a Certified RPM provider and the only apprentice to Soma Mukhopadhyay, the RPM method founder. In this session, both Erika and Sameer discuss the specific reasons why RPM gives some non-vocal individuals on the autism spectrum a better method for communication. Expertly moderated by US Autism Association Advisory Board member Theresa Wrangham, this episode is extra special as Sameer Dahar, who is a student of the RPM Method and is a non-vocal person on the autism spectrum, together with his teacher Erika, shares his own behind-the-scenes look at the RPM approach.

Featured

Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too sick" for outpatient treatment, Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism.

Erika Anderson

As the Executive Director of Education at ACE, Erika Anderson is responsible for individual RPM sessions, curriculum planning, goal setting, and instructing parents and professionals.

Robert J. Bernstein, MA

Robert J. Bernstein, MA has devoted his career to improving the lives of children, teenagers, and adults on the autism spectrum. He developed his cognitive-based, developmental approach for more than thirty years with clients ranging from toddlers to older adults.