There Are Four Types of Prompts in ABA: Physical, Verbal, Gestural, and Stimulus Prompts

ABA prompts are cues or hints used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help learners correctly respond to a question or instruction. These prompts can be physical (like guiding movements), verbal (providing spoken hints), or involve gestures, modeling, or manipulating the environment to make the correct response more obvious. ### Key Concepts: - **Discriminative Stimulus (SD):** A signal that prompts the learner to perform a specific behavior that will lead to a consequence or reward. - **Errorless Learning:** A method in ABA where prompts are used to ensure the learner makes the correct response, reducing the chance of errors and frustration. ### Types of ABA Prompts: 1. **Physical Prompts:** - **Full Physical:** Therapist completely guides the learner’s actions. - **Partial Physical:** Therapist partially assists the learner’s actions. 2. **Verbal Prompts:** - **Vocal:** Spoken instructions or hints. - **Non-Vocal:** Signs, pictures, or written words. 3. **Modeling Prompts:** - Therapist demonstrates the target behavior for the learner to imitate. 4. **Stimulus Prompts:** - **Gestural:** Non-verbal cues like pointing. - **Positional:** Moving the correct item closer to the learner. - **Redundancy:** Making the correct option visually distinct. ### Usage in ABA: - **Prompt Hierarchies:** ABA professionals move from more intrusive prompts (like physical guidance) to less intrusive ones (like gestures) as the learner gains independence. - **Data Collection:** Data on prompt usage and learner responses is critical for adjusting the program and ensuring effective learning. ABA prompts are essential in teaching new skills, helping learners gradually achieve independence by minimizing errors and frustration during the learning process.