Step 1.6 Select the number of prompt levels

Select the number of prompt levels of the least-to-most hierarchy.

The number of levels of the least-to-most hierarchy depends on:

  • the characteristics of the activity,
  • the skill being taught, and
  • the characteristics of the toddler.

A minimum of three levels is required. Prompts are individually determined, with a maximum of 3 levels. For example, pointing to the target stimulus (gestural prompt) and next modeling an action (model prompt).

There is no limit to how many levels can be used, but generally no more than five levels is practical.

Prompt Level

Prompt

Characteristics of the Level
First
 Indpendent

No prompts

Target stimulus and cue are presented
Intermediate
 Increasing help given and less help than the last level Prompts are individually determined, with a maximum of 3 levels
Most
 Controlling prompt Prompt used is selected to ensure that the toddler will respond and perform the skill or behavior correctly

videoVideo: Prompting Hierarchy

 

tips iconTips on Determining the Number of Prompt Levels

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LEARNING TASK OR ACTIVITY

With easy target skills, fewer levels are recommended.  With more difficult skills, more levels may be necessary.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TODDLER

The more prompting levels in the hierarchy, the longer the toddler will have to wait to be successful.  If the toddler with ASD has difficulty staying engaged in the activity or routine for a long period of time, then less prompting levels will increase attention and reduce the likelihood of disruptive or problem behaviors (e.g. crying, stereotypical or repetitive behaviors).  If it is determined that the toddler needs more assistance to complete a target skill successfully, then more levels would be appropriate. 

TIME AVAILABLE FOR USING PROMPTING IN THE ACTIVITY OR ROUTINE

In general, the more levels that are included in a prompting hierarchy, the longer the activity and fewer opportunities for working on the target skill. 

Review prompt dependence in the EBP Overview.