Autism can isolate a person due to their sensory challenges. This book was written to help the autistic person adapt better to the environment using the sensory learning channels- vision, auditory and tactile which are the doors to the sensory world. The kinesthetic channel is the output of how our sensory channels assess the environment. Through RPM we know there is a difference between the cognitive learning and the sensory learning. Cognitively one may know what pain is but his hypo tactile sensitivity may not let one recognize a cavity in a tooth. The exercises in this book have been tried with different students before writing. Our goal is to better the lives of Autistic people using RPM. We know that our autistic children have many sensory challenges. As parents most importantly we want to know what we can DO to help. This book is packed with 'HOW TO's' - practical exercises which can be done for 5-10 mins a day at home. I feel that this book can help people even if they do not have a prior knowledge of Soma RPM. I loved that I was reading it and thinking about my son, I had so many "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?" moments - for me the sign of a great resource book that will be read and re-read many times. --Sue Finnes, Parent As an occupational therapist I have found sensory based learning to be an integral part of my practice. This is especially important for persons who present with difficulties with sensory processing including challenges taking in, interpreting and responding to sensory inputs from their environments. In order to maximize learning and motor skill development, it is beneficial to teach by incorporating the student's stronger sensory channels while continuing to facilitate development of weaker channels. It is also important to utilize these channels to help students maintain a regulated state in order to promote active engagement in a multitude of tasks and experiences across environments. Teaching via Rapid Prompting Method provides the sensory supports needed to help maximize each students ability to learn, both academic content and functional skills. Utilizing this sensory rich method of teaching has helped many of my students develop the skills they need to lead more meaningful lives. --Amy Brennan, M.S., OTR/L, BCP

Curriculum Guide For Autism Using Rapid Prompting Method is for all ages to help individuals with autism and similar disorders. It is aimed towards providing a guideline for teachers who are pursuing their goals to educate their students. With guidance from Soma and her detailed lesson plans, we have been able to teach our son and ensure that he is receiving an appropriate education. Now our child truely soars! April Garsson, Parent The teacher works with the childs sensory system not against it. The art of modifying the delivery to the student was given to us in Somas first book Understanding Autism through Rapid Prompting Method . Now Soma has given us the curriculum guide which is certain to make teaching more efficient and adaptable to all learners on the spectrum. Terri Schuldt, Occupational Therapist Everyone is stunned when they view the videos of our 19 year old sons sessions with Soma as he answers questions covering subjects such as math, science, history and other topics. The benefits of RPM should be known worldwide. Sara Rugeley, Parent

Ten autistic self-advocates share their experiences with alternative forms of communication such as rapid prompting method (RPM) and facilitated communication (FC), both highly controversial. Their narratives document the complexities that autistic individuals navigate--in both educational and community settings--when choosing to use approaches that utilize letter boards and keyboards. While the controversies remain--RPM requires further scientific study, and FC is subject to criticism about confirmation bias--these individuals share powerful stories in the context of aiming for disability rights. The book concludes with a chapter about best practices for educators, particularly for schools and colleges that have students who use these communication methods.

Soma has dedicated her life to teaching her revolutionary Rapid Prompting Method to hundreds of autistic children and adults throughout the world. Somas work proves what many parents have suspected: that students with autism are capable of learning at academic levels previously thought unattainable. The power of an academic education improves the lives of all people, and the Rapid Prompting Method is the key to providing the gift of education and communication to students with autism. This groundbreaking book describes Somas innovative technique, and for the first time in print, offers parents and educators a step-by-step guide to implementing this life-changing teaching methodology.

Anxiety, meltdowns and emotional regulation can be hugely challenging for autistic people. This book is full of proactive strategies for understanding, accepting and respecting the processing differences in autism. It contains tools for reducing sensory, social and mental drain, and offers strategies to protect from ongoing stress and anxiety. These help minimize shutdowns and burnout, while maximizing self-esteem, autistic identity and mental health. Learn strategies for matching environmental demands to the person's processing needs, how to support vulnerabilities, and how to prevent and manage meltdowns while protecting the identify and self-esteem of the individual with autism.

Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management, Third Edition provides information to practitioners interested in and involved with children who demonstrate swallowing and feeding disorders. Since the 2002 publication of the second edition, there has been an exponential increase in the number of medically fragile and complex children with swallowing/feeding disorders. A corresponding proliferation in the related basic and clinical research has resulted in the increased appreciation of the complicated inter-relationships between structures and systems that contribute to swallowing/feeding development, function, and disorders. Case studies throughout the book provide examples for decision making and highlight salient points. New to the Third Edition: * Maureen A. Lefton-Greif, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is welcomed as co-editor. She brings extensive research expertise and clinical practice in pediatric dysphagia and feeding. * All chapters contain significant updated evidence-based research and clinical information. * New chapters focus on the genetic testing and conditions associated with swallowing and feeding disorders, and the pulmonary manifestations and management of aspiration. * World Health Organization (WHO) description of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) sets the stage for an in-depth discussion of clinical feeding evaluation procedures, interpretation, and management decision making. Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding continues to be the leading text on pediatric dysphagia that provides practical information for clinicians seeing children with swallowing and feeding disorders. The overall importance of an appropriate fund of knowledge and shared experience employing team approaches is emphasized throughout this third edition as in the earlier editions of this book. From the Foreword: "The Editors have recognized the advances and changes in the understanding in the information now available for the care of pediatric swallowing and feeding challenges. They have recruited an outstanding group of contributors for this newest edition. There are numerous critically important updates and additions in the third edition. They have included World Health Organizations International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is the functional basis in all areas of the book. This text has its importance as there has been an increased number of children with complex medical and healthcare conditions which are risk for feeding and swallowing disorders. This edition stresses the need for team approaches and also documents the use of “virtual” teams ...Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management, Third Edition is the fundamental holistic source for all healthcare providers providing the care for swallowing and feeding in children. This book will be utilized by all caring for children with feeding and swallowing problems throughout the world. The previous editions have been and now this updated third edition continues to be the standard source for the information concerning diagnosis and care of these children." —Robert J. Ruben, MD, FAAP, FACS Distinguished University Professor Departments of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and Pediatrics Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, New York