Prompt

A prompt is a behavioral strategy that is used to promote the production of a target behavior that is to be increased. Prompts also may be used to promote the cessation of an undesirable behavior (i.e., while teaching a replacement behavior) or to promote maintenance and generalization of a behavior. Once the appropriate behavior occurs, reinforcement can be provided. There are several ways in which a prompt can be delivered, including verbal, auditory, written, gestural, or physical forms. Verbal, auditory, written, and gestural prompts are thought to be the least intrusive to the individual learning the new behavior, whereas physical prompts typically are considered the most intrusive.

Research has demonstrated that prompts are useful for promoting desirable behavior in many individuals with a wide ...