Prompting

The initial steps for implementing graduated guidance prompting are:

• Get the toddler’s attention.
• Present the target stimulus.
• Give the task direction or cue.

Key concepts of effective prompting include:

• Providing physical prompts from behind the toddler to allow for more natural movements to be taught. 
• Be careful not to force the toddler when physically prompting. When resistance from the toddler occurs, hold the toddler’s hands in place rather than forcing movement. When resistance subsides, continue to prompt the movement.
• Prompts should be as weak as possible.
• Unplanned prompts should be avoided.
• Prompts should be faded as quickly as possible.

The adult should be “shadowing” the toddler or holding their hands near the child and following the toddler’s movements so that immediate additional assistance can begin.

If the toddler stops doing the chained activity, the adult immediately provides the amount and type of prompts needed to get the movement started.

In response to the toddler's incorrect response, you would immediately block the incorrect movement and provide the amount and type of prompt needed to get the toddler to do the chain correctly.

If the toddler resists the physical prompt, you should:

• stop the movement and
• hold the toddler’s hands gently in place.

When the resistance subsides, assist the movement toward completing the step in chain again by using the type of physical prompt needed.  This may include reducing the intensity or location of the physical prompt.