Simultaneous prompting AAC plans should keep the person's communication system available on teaching and probe trials. The controlling prompt may guide attention or navigation only as specifically authorized and should preserve authorship of the message. Define vocabulary, access method, position, partner behavior, response window, backup mode, and independent probe rule. Missing vocabulary, blocked access, or a partner-composed answer is a system failure, rather than independent communication.
Plan simultaneous prompting AAC access
Verify that the target vocabulary exists and is reachable. Record device position, charging, page path, motor access, auditory or visual settings, partner wait time, and backup communication. Use the same ordinary access supports during independent probes.
Protect message authorship
A model can show where a symbol is located or how a navigation step works under the plan. A partner should not select the substantive message for the person and then score it as the person's independent response.
Keep trial types separate
The telehealth study distinguishes immediate prompts during teaching from no-prompt probes. ASHA says AAC users should always have access to their tools or devices. Device access remains available even when the teaching prompt is absent.
Apply ethical safeguards
The Ethics Code addresses nondiscrimination, communication, client involvement, assent when applicable, medical needs, risk, and evaluation. The BACB outline covers prompt and stimulus-control decisions.
A practical example
Priya has six due probes. The target page and keyguard are ready for 5/6. Priya selects the correct two-symbol message in 4/5 valid probes. Report access readiness 5/6 and independent responses 4/5, with the missing keyguard documented.
Questions families can use
Is vocabulary available? Who navigates? What part of the response does the person author? Which support remains on probes? Is the response window long enough? What invalidates a trial?
Sources
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th edition
- Mengi and colleagues, Simultaneous Prompting Delivered by Telehealth to Teach Young Children with Autism
- Leaf and colleagues, Comparison of Simultaneous Prompting and No-No Prompting in Two-Choice Discrimination Learning with Children with Autism
- Reichow and Wolery, Comparison of Everyday and Every-Fourth-Day Probe Sessions with the Simultaneous Prompting Procedure
- Akmanoglu and colleagues, Comparison of Simultaneous Prompting and Constant Time Delay Procedures in Teaching Children with Autism
- Tekin-Iftar and Olcay-Gul, Increasing Instructional Efficiency When Using Simultaneous Prompting Procedure in Teaching Academic Skills to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
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