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Effective Prompting Strategies for Teaching New Skills in ABA Therapy
- whhartzog
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
At Intercept Health ABA, we understand how challenging it can be for children to learn new skills, especially without guidance. It's like trying to learn a new language without a teacher or attempting to cook an unfamiliar recipe with no instructions. This is often the experience children face when developing new skills. That's where prompting comes in—a vital strategy that bridges the gap between dependence and independence.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of prompts, how to use them effectively, and how to reduce support over time. These strategies can accelerate your child’s learning, boost their confidence, and ensure they build lasting skills that will serve them throughout life.
What Is Prompting?
Prompting refers to the support given to help a child learn a new task or skill. Prompts can vary in intensity, from gentle guidance to verbal cues, and are gradually reduced as the child becomes more independent. This technique is widely used in ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) to support children in various learning environments.
Types of Prompts:
Physical Prompts: This involves hand-over-hand assistance, where a caregiver physically helps the child perform a task (e.g., holding a spoon or hanging up a coat).
Gestural Prompts: Using pointing, nodding, or other movements to indicate the next step in a task.
Verbal Prompts: Instructions range from clear directions ("Put your shoes in the closet") to partial cues ("Where do your shoes go?").
Visual Prompts: Pictures, written lists, or demonstrations (like showing the child how to brush their teeth).
Positional Prompts: Arranging the environment to guide the child, such as placing puzzle pieces closer to them to encourage success.
The Importance of Prompt Fading in ABA Therapy
The key to successful prompting is prompt fading—a technique used to gradually reduce support over time. This helps prevent prompt dependency, where children may rely on assistance even when they’re capable of performing a task independently.
How to Fade Prompts:
Start with the least intrusive prompt that ensures success. If your child can find their backpack with a point, avoid using hand-over-hand guidance.
Increase the waiting time before prompting to give your child a chance to respond on their own.
Gradually reduce the visibility of prompts. For example, instead of pointing directly to an object, you might just glance in its direction.
Avoiding Prompt Dependency
A common concern among parents is that children may become dependent on prompts, always waiting for assistance even when they can complete tasks independently. To prevent this:
Pause before prompting to allow your child time to process the task.
Vary your prompts to avoid reliance on one specific cue. This encourages flexibility and independence.
Celebrate independent attempts, even imperfect ones, to reinforce self-confidence and growth.
Example of Prompting in Action
Let's look at Emma, who is learning to pack her school bag. At first, her mom uses a visual checklist with pictures of each item and points to each one while naming it (gestural and verbal prompts). Over time, the support is reduced. After a week, Mom stops pointing but continues naming the items. By the third week, she only asks, “What’s next on your list?” Eventually, Emma begins to glance at the checklist on her own and packs her bag independently.
This six-week progression highlights the power of prompt fading in building lasting skills.
Implementing Prompting Strategies at Home
To implement prompting at home, focus on one routine or skill at a time. Here’s how you can get started:
Choose a Skill: Pick a skill your child is working on (e.g., brushing teeth, getting dressed).
Break It Into Steps: Divide the task into manageable steps.
Select the Best Prompt: Decide which prompt type will best support your child’s learning style (e.g., visual learners might benefit from picture schedules).
Track Progress: Keep a record of which prompts you’re using and how your child is responding. This ensures consistency and helps caregivers follow the same approach.
When to Fade Prompts and How to Handle Resistance
When to fade prompts: Watch for consistent success—if your child follows a gestural prompt correctly for several days in a row, you can begin fading it.
When children resist prompts: Resistance can indicate that the prompt is too intrusive, or the task is too difficult. If this happens, try these strategies:
Break the task down into smaller, easier steps.
Switch to a less intrusive prompt.
Give your child more time to respond before prompting.
Additional Resources for Learning About Prompting
For more information, ask your ABA therapist to demonstrate effective prompt hierarchies for skills your child is working on. Many programs offer parent training videos that show prompt fading in action. A helpful resource is the book "Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities" by Mark Sundberg, which contains in-depth strategies on prompting.
Conclusion: Prompting as Temporary Support for Lasting Independence
At Intercept Health ABA, we believe in the power of ABA therapy and the significant role that prompting plays in helping children develop new skills. Remember, prompts are temporary structures that guide children towards independent mastery. With patience, consistency, and systematic fading, you can help your child build skills that will last a lifetime.
Ready to Help Your Child Succeed?
At Intercept Health ABA, we’re dedicated to helping children build essential skills through proven ABA therapy techniques like prompting and prompt fading. If you’re ready to support your child’s growth and independence, we’re here to help.
Make a Referral Today! Contact us to get started or refer a child who would benefit from our services. Our team of experts is ready to create a personalized plan that empowers your child to succeed.
Together, we can help your child build lasting skills and reach their full potential.
