Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is a multifaceted approach that combines motor movement, comprehension and the social exchanges of communication.

It is a treatment method that views a child from a neurological developmental viewpoint. Children acquire the ability to move their jaws; lips and tongues accordingly to produce words, string them together in a coherent thought and share them with others socially in an integrated manner. Conscious movement involves motor planning and control of the anatomy used for speaking.  Language concepts come from understanding word meaning, association and function. Social language encompasses initiation, turn taking, and listening or the “manners” of social exchanges. If any of these global domains are delayed, then speech production may not develop typically. Similarly, if any of these systems are overly challenged, you can see a breakdown in one or more of the domains.

It is not uncommon to experience moments of dysfluency when emotions run high such as when one accomplishes something challenging, experiences loss or pain. Thoughts become fragmented thus speech production is reduced or slurred and socially expressing those feelings become disjointed. For children that have difficulty with social relationships, language formation issues or unclear speech, talking proves to be a task that requires effort and stamina to be successful. PROMPT rebalances a child’s communication system so that their communication as a whole improves.

Deborah Hayden, M.S. CCC-SLP (right) founder of the PROMPT Institute and Martha Adams, M.A. CCC-SLP (left).