PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) is a specialized speech-language pathology technique developed by Deborah Hayden that uses tactile-kinesthetic cues on the face and jaw to support motor speech planning. It benefits autistic children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) or motor planning difficulties affecting speech clarity. Research by Dale & Hayden (2013) supports PROMPT for improving speech production in children with motor speech disorders. PROMPT-trained SLPs are available in Ontario and eligible for OAP core clinical funding.
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PROMPT uses tactile-kinesthetic cues — the therapist places their hands on the child's face, jaw, and lips to physically guide the movements needed for speech sounds and words. This approach targets the motor planning and execution component of speech production, which is distinct from language comprehension or formulation challenges.
PROMPT is particularly beneficial for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) — a motor planning disorder that makes it difficult to coordinate the movements for speech. Autistic children with CAS or motor speech difficulties may show: inconsistent speech errors, difficulty imitating sounds, groping movements when trying to speak, and limited speech repertoire despite good comprehension.
PROMPT uses tactile-kinesthetic cues — the therapist places their hands on the child's face, jaw, and lips to physically guide the movements needed for speech sounds and words. This approach targets the motor planning and execution component of speech production, which is distinct from language comprehension or formulation challenges.
The technique is structured in levels: Parameter PROMPT (targeting individual speech sounds), Syllable/Word PROMPT (targeting word-level production), and Complex PROMPT (targeting connected speech). A trained PROMPT therapist assesses the child's motor speech abilities using the Motor Speech Hierarchy and develops a treatment plan targeting specific speech movement patterns.
PROMPT is particularly beneficial for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) — a motor planning disorder that makes it difficult to coordinate the movements for speech. Autistic children with CAS or motor speech difficulties may show: inconsistent speech errors, difficulty imitating sounds, groping movements when trying to speak, and limited speech repertoire despite good comprehension.
In Ontario, PROMPT is delivered by SLPs who have completed the PROMPT Institute's certification training. Not all SLPs are PROMPT-trained, so families should specifically ask about PROMPT certification. SLP services including PROMPT are eligible for OAP core clinical funding. Private SLP sessions in Ontario typically cost $120-175/hour. The PROMPT Institute website maintains a provider directory searchable by location.
Research
Dale & Hayden (2013), "Treating Speech Subsystems in CAS with Tactual Input: The PROMPT Approach," American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 22(4), 644-661
Institute
The PROMPT Institute — www.promptinstitute.com
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Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up
Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four