What is the function of prompt fading in teaching skills to individuals with autism?

The function of prompt fading in teaching skills to individuals with autism is primarily to gradually reduce assistance and encourage independence. This method involves starting with a high level of support to help the individual successfully engage with a given task and then systematically reducing that support over time.

By fading prompts, the instructional approach allows the individual to learn to perform tasks independently, which is a crucial step in skill acquisition. This technique helps individuals to internalize the skills being taught, fostering their ability to generalize these skills across various contexts without needing constant assistance. As prompts are faded, learners become more confident in their abilities and can effectively demonstrate what they have learned without relying heavily on external cues.

This gradual withdrawal of assistance aligns perfectly with principles of effective teaching, focusing on nurturing independence rather than creating dependency on adult cues or support. Therefore, the essence of prompt fading is to strike a balance where learners can eventually perform tasks autonomously, which supports their overall development and integration into various environments.