A prompt is a cue we give a child to help him or her provide a desired response for behavior. Prompts are provided to promote desired behaviors and responses while preventing and correcting undesired behaviors and incorrect responses. Prompts can be utilized to clearly indicate to the child what response or behavior is expected, to ensure his or her success, and reduce the child’s overall frustration level.
Types of Prompts (listed from least to most intrusive)
Verbal
- Utilizing words or sounds to cue or model the desired response or behavior
Example: when a child reaches for a cookie, prompt him or her to say “cookie” (just provide the verbal prompt, “cookie,” and not, “say cookie) - Verbal prompts are the most difficult to fade
Modeling
- Demonstrating all or part of the desired behavior so the child will imitate the desired response or behavior
Example: turn a key (the prompt for the child to perform the same task) - Can be generalized to the natural environment by teaching him or her to utilize peers as models
Visual
Presenting visual cues or models (e.g., written word, photographs, line drawings, etc…) that highlight key information about the desired response or behavior
Example: Show the child a picture card of “sit” as a prompt for him or her to sit down
Positional
Positioning the correct response in a way that the child is more likely choose it (often used in direct instruction situations)
Example: You say “Touch car,” since the car is closer to the child than any of the other objects; he/she is more likely to focus on it and choose it
Gestural
Utilizing facial expressions, physical movements, or eye gaze to cue the child to perform the desired response or behavior
Example: point to the light switch to cue the child to turn out the light
Physical
- Touching the child or moving his or her body to achieve the desired response or behavior
Example: Use hand over hand to assist the child to dry hands with a paper towel - Physical prompts are the easiest to fade