Prompting Strategy

Let’s talk about the prompting strategy.

Prompts are used to help an individual engage in a specific behavior, while increasing learning. Think of prompts as hints or cues. The various types of prompts include:

➡️independent— no prompt or assistance is required.

➡️visual prompts— use pictures, icons, texts, drawings, or other written cues.

➡️verbal prompts— involve saying something to give a hint, in the form of reminders, additional instructions, or saying partial answers.

➡️gesture prompts— use pointing, hand signals, nodding, or physical movement from the practitioner.

➡️model prompts— involve the practitioner acting out/demonstrating the entire behavior live or through video.

➡️physical prompts— involve some level of physical touch to guide the learner.

The prompting hierarchy is the order that prompts are used. Generally, practitioners implement starting from the least invasive prompt, and determine how much support the learner needs. Prompting procedures should still be individualized based on the learner’s needs and preferred level of invasion, in order to respect autonomy and promote independence.

Eventually, prompts should be faded once the individual has demonstrated complete independence or mastery of a skill.

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