Prompting is the process of providing assistance to help a learner produce a correct response they cannot yet produce independently. A prompting hierarchy organizes prompt types by intrusiveness so that therapists can systematically provide assistance and then fade it as the learner develops independence — the ultimate goal being unprompted, independent responding.
The most common prompting hierarchy (from most to least intrusive): Full Physical (hand-over-hand guidance), Partial Physical (light physical guidance), Modeling (therapist demonstrates the response), Gestural (therapist points or gestures), Verbal (therapist gives a verbal cue), and No Prompt (learner responds independently). Different hierarchies are used depending on the skill and the learner's needs.
Prompt fading is the process of gradually reducing the level of prompting over time. Most-to-least prompting starts with the most intrusive prompt and systematically fades to less intrusive. Least-to-most prompting starts with the least intrusive prompt, waiting for a response before escalating. Graduated guidance and time delay are other fading techniques. Without systematic prompt fading, learners become prompt-dependent — only responding when prompted.
In practice
Every DTT program specifies which prompt level is currently being used for each skill target, and the criteria for fading to the next level. Data recorded as 'correct/prompted (at level X)/incorrect' across trials tracks whether the learner is progressing toward independence. The BCBA reviews this data and updates the prompt procedure accordingly.
Key facts
Hierarchy (most to least intrusive): Full physical → Partial physical → Model → Gestural → Verbal → Independent
Prompt fading systematically reduces assistance over time
Prompt dependence occurs when learners only respond when prompted
Prompt level is documented in session data for each trial
Most-to-least and least-to-most are the two main fading approaches
Theralyn's DTT data collection tracks correct, prompted, and incorrect responses per trial. The prompt level in use for each goal can be specified and updated by the BCBA as the learner progresses toward independence.
Frequently asked questions
What is Prompting Hierarchy?
A prompting hierarchy is a systematic framework used in ABA therapy for providing assistance during skill instruction, ranging from the most intrusive (full physical guidance) to the least (no assistance). Prompt types include physical, modeling, verbal, gestural, and visual prompts.
How is Prompting Hierarchy used in practice?
Every DTT program specifies which prompt level is currently being used for each skill target, and the criteria for fading to the next level. Data recorded as 'correct/prompted (at level X)/incorrect' across trials tracks whether the learner is progressing toward independence. The BCBA reviews this data and updates the prompt procedure accordingly.
How does Theralyn help with Prompting Hierarchy?
Theralyn's DTT data collection tracks correct, prompted, and incorrect responses per trial. The prompt level in use for each goal can be specified and updated by the BCBA as the learner progresses toward independence.