NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM, AND RPM
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the unique make-up of each individual brain’s functions, traits, and abilities. Neurodiversity refers to variations across the whole human population, as well as to those with specific characteristics that set them apart, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Neurodiversity embraces those with neurological differences such as ASD as being differently-abled, as opposed to having deficits or shortcomings.
Neurodiversity celebrates differences and highlights every individual’s unique gifts. It is very powerful for those with learning or behavioral differences to see themselves as unique and gifted, rather than insufficient. At LYNX, we are committed to celebrating neurodivergent voices as creative collaborative partners in our work, and to sharing their words, gifts, and talents with all of our viewers.
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by challenges with one's social skills, behaviors, and learning needs. ASD is understood to be a spectrum that impacts individuals in different ways and to varying degrees. Individuals with ASD may have challenges with communication and repetitive behaviors as a result of having an altered sensory system.
Nonspeaking autism is characterized by difficulties developing purposeful speech. This can look like an individual using repetitive speech, or having very limited to no speech skills. Just because one may have limited or even unreliable speech, does not mean they have nothing to say. Thanks to alternative outlets, these individuals are often still able to communicate. These communication outlets could include using picture choices, a voice output device, or a letterboard/iPad to spell out words. Finding alternate means of communication allows those with nonspeaking autism or other related disorders to find their voice.
Regardless of where an individual falls on the autism spectrum, thinking, learning, and problem-solving abilities can continue to be fostered and developed.
Teaching through the Rapid Prompting Method
Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) is a teaching approach for individuals with autism or other related disorders that focuses on teaching academic content and tapping into students' strengths or developing skills. RPM works to recognize the differences in development and sensory make-up unique to each individual with autism, and incorporates this into the learning process.
RPM was started by Soma Mukhopadhyay through her work with her own son with autism. Soma continues to provide RPM services to individuals all over the world and in her clinic located in Austin, Texas. Her clinic, HALO (Helping Autism through Learning and Outreach), continues to support individuals with autism to learn and grow. It also educates parents and professionals to support the learning needs of individuals with autism.
Each individual’s journey through RPM starts with learning information and responding at a basic level. With a lot of practice, that response leads to increased levels of communication with the use of a letterboard. This process is unique to each individual and empowers the learner to express his or her thoughts and reasoning in a way that is tailored to their own learning needs at the moment learning takes place. Individuals who practice RPM can develop independent decision-making abilities and learn to spell as a means of communication, with continued work on verbal speech and more! The learning always continues with RPM.
To learn more, visit https://www.halo-soma.org/ or visit LYNX Board Member Katie Masotti’s website: https://www.masottirpmsupport.com/