​My passion for working with children with motor speech disorders inspired me to become a Level 1 PROMPT-trained Speech-Language Pathologist in 2018. PROMPT stands for Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets and is a therapeutic approach that uses tactile-kinesthetic touch cues on the child's face to guide proper oral motor movements.

During PROMPT therapy, therapists use their hands to provide specific cues to the jaw, tongue, and lips, helping children produce targeted speech sounds. Each speech sound has a unique tactile cue, which aids in:

• Rounding and retracting facial muscles

• Coordinating jaw movements

• Improving lip rounding and tongue positioning

This approach is particularly effective for children with motor speech disorders like apraxia of speech and dysarthria, as it helps them build motor control, refine oral muscular movements, and eliminate compensatory movements (e.g., jaw sliding or inadequate lip rounding).

Darling Pediatric Therapy has two PROMPT trained therapists who work to support children in developing clear, functional speech and improving their ability to communicate effectively.