Step 1.7 Determine the response interval
A response interval is the amount of time to wait after presenting the target stimulus, cue, and task direction before giving the prompt.
With graduated guidance, a short response interval (lasting a couple of seconds) occurs after the delivery of the target stimulus, attending cue, and task direction. As chains are being taught, the response interval is an opportunity for the toddler to start the chain on his/her own. Base the response interval on the individual characteristics of the toddler.
Generally a response interval is between 3 to 5 seconds.
Answering the following questions will help determine the length of the response interval for the specific toddler:
- How long does it take the toddler to complete a similar skill?
- How long does it usually take the toddler to respond when he/she knows how to do the skill? Add a couple of seconds to the usual response time.
- How long does it take another toddler with ASD to use a similar skill?
- What amount of time will the toddler be allowed to begin and complete an activity or routine? This would be important for a chained task or skill such as getting dressed, undressed, washing hands, etc. Some skills in the chain make take longer than the others. In that case, use the longest interval as the response interval.