Why No Physical Prompting?

While physical prompts like hand-over-hand assistance are common in some hierarchies, I believe they are unnecessary and counterproductive for fostering authentic communication. For children learning to communicate, whether verbally or with augmentative strategies, the goal is to empower them to use their own voice, gestures, or expressions independently.

This hierarchy respects their autonomy and encourages self-expression, which is critical for children who are verbal or semi-verbal, as well as those using gestalt speech. By avoiding physical prompts, we also avoid unintentionally sending the message that their body or communication can be controlled by others.

Research supports that modeling language and offering thoughtful verbal or nonverbal prompts are far more effective and respectful methods to build communication skills.

Intended Use :

This hierarchy is intended exclusively for parents who wish to support their child's communication journey at home. It provides practical, respectful strategies to guide children toward greater independence in their speech.

While this hierarchy was created with parents in mind, professionals—such as speech-language pathologists, ABA therapists, and educators—are, of course, welcome to use it, provided they align with its purpose and philosophy. The approach is flexible enough to complement other methods but remains centered on empowering the child’s natural communication abilities.

This hierarchy is particularly suited for children who:

• Are verbal or semi-verbal,
• Use gestalt language processing, or
• Are developing communication in a way that requires gentle, supportive prompts.

This framework promotes respectful interaction and equips parents with tools to encourage meaningful and independent communication in a way that is consistent with their child’s needs and abilities.

Autism Resources:

• Autism Speaks
• A leading organization that provides a wealth of information, resources, and support for families and individuals with autism.
• Autism Speaks
• The Autism Society
• Provides support, advocacy, and resources for individuals with autism and their families.
• The Autism Society
• Autism Research Institute
• Offers research-based information and programs to help families navigate autism.
• Autism Research Institute
• National Autism Association
• Focuses on safety, support, and education for families with autism.
• National Autism Association
• Autism Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Resources
• A comprehensive guide to ABA therapy, offering resources for parents and professionals alike.
• ABA Therapy Resources