Step 1.6 Identify the controlling prompt
Identify the controlling prompt or a prompt that ensures that the toddler with ASD performs the target skill or behavior correctly. With the graduated guidance procedure, the controlling prompt is often physical. Controlling prompts should ensure that the toddler
performs the skill or behavior without prompting more than is necessary. Some skills may require more or less restrictive prompting.
For some toddlers the controlling prompt may be as simple as pointing to the faucet to prompt hand washing, while other toddlers may need full hand-over-hand assistance.
Further consideration must be made for toddlers who are not comfortable with touch, light, or heavy touch in particular; or being touched somewhere specific on their body.
EXAMPLE
Continuing with the example of Charlie learning the clean-up routine in Step 1.1A, the EI team decides that the controlling prompt will be hand-over-hand full physical prompt, which will ensure that he picks up the plate to start the clean-up routine.