Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT©) approach is an innovative and hands-on technique used to address speech production difficulties in children with various speech and language disorders. At Esperanza Speech and Occupational Therapy Centre in Dubai, UAE, we integrate PROMPT© therapy into our comprehensive speech therapy programs. Our therapists, certified in PROMPT©, employ tactile-kinesthetic techniques that guide children to achieve clearer, more coordinated speech. This approach aligns with Esperanza’s mission to deliver cutting-edge, child-centered therapy to support speech development and communication skills for children across Dubai.

Who Benefits from PROMPT© Therapy?

PROMPT© therapy is highly effective for children who face speech challenges related to motor planning and muscle coordination. Key groups who benefit from PROMPT© include:

1. Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): PROMPT© therapy is particularly effective for children with CAS, a motor speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and produce speech sounds. The hands-on cues provided in PROMPT© support improved motor control and sequencing, helping children with CAS achieve more accurate speech production.
2. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many children with autism struggle with speech production and clarity due to motor planning difficulties or sensory sensitivities. PROMPT© therapy offers a structured, sensory-supported approach that encourages clearer, more coordinated speech in children with ASD.
3. Children with Developmental Delays or Intellectual Disabilities: PROMPT© can be adapted to the needs of children with developmental delays or intellectual disabilities who experience challenges with speech clarity and consistency. The tactile-kinesthetic cues support these children in building effective, functional communication skills.
4. Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children: For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, PROMPT© provides a way to begin developing motor skills necessary for speech production. This approach offers a gradual, supportive path to building verbal communication.
5. Children with Dysarthria or Articulation Disorders: PROMPT© therapy can also benefit children with dysarthria (a motor speech disorder) and articulation challenges. The structured guidance of PROMPT© helps children achieve more precise articulation by focusing on the physical movements needed for sound production.

Esperanza’s Approach to PROMPT© Assessment and Therapy

At Esperanza, our PROMPT© therapy begins with a detailed assessment and follows a systematic, individualized approach to address each child’s unique speech needs. Here’s how we implement PROMPT© to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Comprehensive PROMPT© Assessment: Each child’s journey begins with a thorough assessment conducted by our certified PROMPT© therapist. During this evaluation, we assess the child’s motor speech capabilities, articulation patterns, and oral-motor coordination. This assessment helps us determine the specific areas of focus for PROMPT© therapy and allows us to create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Tactile-Kinesthetic Cues for Motor Planning: PROMPT© therapy uses tactile-kinesthetic prompts, where the therapist provides gentle, hands-on cues to guide the child’s muscle movements for speech. These prompts help the child become more aware of their own oral-motor movements, aiding in the development of precise and intentional speech production.
3. Individualized Therapy Goals and Targeted Sound Sequences: At Esperanza, our PROMPT© therapists work with each child to establish individualized goals that address their specific speech challenges. We begin with foundational motor control tasks and progress to more complex sound sequences, guiding each child at their own pace to build strong, stable speech patterns.
4. Family Involvement and Home Practice: Family involvement is crucial for successful PROMPT© therapy. We train parents and caregivers in basic techniques that they can use at home, supporting their child’s progress in everyday settings. This continuity between sessions and home practice reinforces learning and accelerates improvements in speech clarity and control.
5. Continuous Progress Monitoring and Adaptation: PROMPT© therapy requires ongoing monitoring to ensure that each child progresses steadily. At Esperanza, we track each child’s development closely, adapting our approach based on their achievements and evolving needs. This tailored approach ensures that every child achieves the best possible outcomes in a supportive environment.

How Esperanza in Dubai Supports PROMPT© Therapy

In keeping with our mission of ensuring accessible, evidence-based treatment options for children with speech and language disorders, Esperanza incorporates PROMPT in our therapy practice in the following ways at our therapy center:

1. Certified PROMPT© Therapists: Our therapists at Esperanza are certified in PROMPT©, ensuring that they possess the skills and expertise necessary to deliver effective, evidence-based care. Their specialized knowledge in PROMPT© allows them to guide each child through a structured, carefully designed program that addresses their unique speech needs.
2. Culturally Sensitive and Inclusive Services: At Esperanza, we understand that families in Dubai and the UAE come from diverse cultural backgrounds. We provide culturally sensitive care and offer PROMPT© therapy in multiple languages, ensuring that each child receives clear, accessible guidance that aligns with their family’s values and communication preferences.
3. Comprehensive Family Support and Resources: We recognize the importance of family involvement in PROMPT© therapy. Esperanza offers resources, training, and ongoing support for families, helping them feel confident and empowered in supporting their child’s communication journey. Our family-centered approach is integral to the success of PROMPT© therapy.
4. Commitment to Early Intervention: Esperanza’s emphasis on early intervention aligns with PROMPT©’s goals of building foundational speech skills as early as possible. By starting PROMPT© therapy early, we help children build strong motor skills for speech production, minimizing frustration and promoting clearer, more confident communication.
5. Evidence-Based, Child-Centered Approach: PROMPT© is a scientifically validated approach, and at Esperanza, we are committed to using therapies that are backed by research. Our therapists integrate the latest advancements in PROMPT© methodology with a child-centered approach, creating an encouraging, supportive environment for every child.

Our expertise in PROMPT, put together with family-centered and culturally sensitive care, guarantees that each child receives support to meet his very unique goals in communication.

For more information about PROMPT© therapy or to schedule an assessment, contact Esperanza at +971 55 524 1094 or visit our website at https://esperanzaelc.com.