Speech Therapy Questions....

We had our first session today. And I was asked to review/sign an authorization allowing the therapist to use PROMPT. The therapist explained she is trained but not certified yet. And the certification process takes 2 years to complete. I am just wondering what advice you can give me regarding the PROMPT. She said she has yet to meet parents not give authorization. But it does seem to me that the process could be a little invasive on DS (4.5).

Also, what did you allow as far as the taping authorization? Only video? Only audio? Or both Audio and Visual?

Re: Speech Therapy Questions....

Why are they using prompt? Was DS diagnosed with apraxia of speech? DS has apraxia, and I was told for years how amazing prompt is for it, didn't work, changed method and he is flourishing. I think you should maybe allow them to take it as a month by month thing, review in one month to see how it has improved speech, and if it's not working, have them try something else. But I have heard prompt is great for some kids, I think it's worth trying and revaluating if you don't see improvement.

And just from personal experience I will never allow video of my DS bc a speech therapist illegally showed me another kids video to show me that my son had "severe" apraxia and would never fully speak. 2 years later and me firing her, I can barely get him to be quiet . So While she was unprofessional and quite frankly an idiot, I just don't trust anybody with video of my kids.

Speech Therapy Questions....

I would first ask why she is using prompt. Prompt is a great tool but not for all kinds of speech issues. If he does need prompt therapy though that is great you found someone as it's hard to find certified prompt therapists as the kids get older. As far as videos and taping goes, I don't have an issue with it all. I know they video DD for various things and it is used as a model for some of the kids. You need to do what your comfortable with. I will say though that I did not allow taping during EI only once she started in a school setting.

Speech Therapy Questions....

As an SLP I do think that PROMPT is fantastic. Not for everyone, but fantastic when used correctly with the right child.
I would let her see if PROMPT is right for your son. If it's not I would fully expect that she change her method to something different.
As for video taping, it's all what you are comfortable with. Ask her what she will do with the videos. If she is going for PROMPT certification, she most likely needs it for submission for her certificate.
I wish that I had video taped some of my kids that I used PROMPT on b/c the results were astounding and I would have loved to have it to replay for the family.
As for it being invasive, some kids may be a little hesitant b/c it does involve the therapist touching them, but most of the kids I have worked with start PROMPTing themselves after a while.

Re: Speech Therapy Questions....

I am an SLP too and PROMPT trained, not certified. I think its a good tool for certain cases, but just like all therapy methods, not all methods are appropriate for all kids. You dont have to use it only for apraxia either. If you want to try it, thats fine. See how they do with it. As far as the video taping thing, sometimes it will be used for video submission to get certification. However, many times its also used in the evaluating process since there is a heirarchy that needs to be completed and sometimes things are missed when you are trying to evaluate and the child is right in front of you, so its good to play back. However, in the paper you sign...and there should be a seperate release for the video...it should specifically state how the video will be used and how it will be disposed of and who will see it. Showing it to another client without permission seems like a HIPPA violation, and unless that therapist got consent to use it that way, it seems that the therapist that used the video of another child that way (as a PP said) should have been reported. Its a method that has a lot of backing in research, so I would look into it if you want. If you dont feel comfortable then dont sign for the video tape.

Message edited 12/3/2012 10:20:45 PM.

Re: Speech Therapy Questions....

Thanks everyone!