ABA Assist

Prompt Hierarchy

Also called: prompt levels, levels of assistance

Definition

An ordered set of prompts from least intrusive to most intrusive — typically verbal, gestural, model, partial physical, full physical, though the order is chosen for the learner and the skill. The hierarchy is the basis of both most-to-least and least-to-most prompting, and the plan should name which levels are in use.

Example

  • For putting on a coat: a verbal reminder, then a gesture toward the coat, then a demonstration, then guiding the arm.

Not prompt hierarchy

  • Giving the same full physical prompt every time regardless of what the learner does. With no ordering, there is no hierarchy in use.

See also

Written from

  • macduff-krantz-mcclannahan-2001

Written from MacDuff, Krantz and McClannahan (2001). No textbook glossary consulted.

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