What are "fading" procedures in ABA?

Fading procedures in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) involve the technique of gradually reducing the prompts or assistance that a learner receives when performing a specific behavior. This process is crucial because the ultimate goal of many interventions is to help the learner engage in the desired behavior independently. By starting with more intense support—such as verbal prompts, physical guidance, or visual cues—therapists can slowly lessen this support as the learner becomes more proficient.

The fading process relies on carefully monitoring the learner's progress to ensure that they continue to successfully engage in the behavior without the prompts. This gradual reduction helps the individual build confidence and competence, reinforcing their independence in performing the behavior. The approach is particularly effective in teaching skills across a variety of settings and contexts, making it a foundational component of many ABA interventions.

In contrast to the other answer choices, the focus on independence and decreasing dependence on prompts is unique to fading procedures and highlights why this method is integral to teaching and reinforcing new skills effectively.