One of the main goals of ABA is helping our learners become more independent in everyday life. Prompts, such as verbal reminders, gestures, modeling, or physical guidance, can help teach new skills, BUT they should gradually be reduced or faded out as the learner becomes successful. This will help prevent the development of prompt dependency.
What Is Prompt Dependence?
Prompt dependence occurs when a learner begins waiting for help before responding, even when they already know how to complete the task.
You might notice a learner:
- Looking at an adult before starting a familiar task
- Waiting for directions to be repeated
- Asking for help before attempting the task
- Completing familiar routines only after a reminder or gesture
What Can We Do To Build Independence?
- Give the learner time to respond. Avoid immediately jumping in to help.
- Use the least intrusive prompt that is needed. More help isn’t always better.
- Don’t forget to fade prompts! Gradually reduce assistance as skills improve.
- Reinforce independence. Recognize when learners complete tasks with less help.
- Practice everywhere! Use skills with different people and in different settings to promote generalization.
At Advanced Behavioral Dimensions, LLC, we help learners build meaningful skills while reducing unnecessary reliance on caregiver or adult assistance. We also train our RBTs and collaborate with families to help caregivers recognize when to prompt, when to wait, and when to step back, so independence can continue to grow at home, in school, at work, and in the community!
Contact us to find out more about our ABA Therapy Services. We would love to speak to you!
