March 30, 2026 One powerful way to support your child is by understanding how help is given as they learn new skills. Here you’ll learn more about the prompting hierarchy; a strategy we use to build independence and one that can help parents feel more confident supporting learning at home!
You may hear your child’s therapist talk about prompts, but what does that actually mean?
A prompt is a way of helping a child succeed when a skill is still developing. The prompting hierarchy is the idea that support should be given only as much as needed, and then gradually reduced so your child can do the skill more independently.
Think of it like teaching someone to ride a bike: You don’t let go right away, but you also don’t keep holding the seat forever!
Common Types of Prompts:
Physical prompts: Guiding a child’s body or hands
Modeling: Showing them what to do or say
Gestural prompts: Pointing or looking at correct response
Verbal prompts: Giving a hint or reminder
Independent: The child does it on their own!
Therapists intentionally move down the hierarchy as skills strengthen.
Easy Ways Parents Can Support Prompting at Home!
- Pause before helping! Give your child a few extra seconds (count to 10 in your head), you may be surprised what they can do when given time!
- If your child struggles, try a gesture or model before jumping straight to doing it for them.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection! Trying independently, even if it’s not perfect, IS a win!
