What is meant by 'the 3 strike rule' in prompting?

The '3 strike rule' in prompting refers to the concept of offering multiple levels of prompting to assist a learner in achieving the desired response. When using this rule, practitioners provide a range of cues or prompts that gradually decrease in assistance or guidance. This approach allows the child to receive support initially, moving to more independence as they become more competent with the task. By structuring prompts in this way, learners can effectively transition from needing significant help to achieving independence, thus reinforcing their learning process.

This method is important in behavioral methods in communication disorders because it carefully balances support with autonomy, enabling the child to learn successfully without becoming overly reliant on prompts. It fosters self-efficacy and encourages the development of skills necessary for communication.