Which type of prompt is considered the most intrusive?

The most intrusive type of prompt is a physical prompt. This method involves directly guiding or assisting a person's actions, often through touch or physical manipulation. For example, when teaching a skill or behavior, a physical prompt might mean holding the person's hand to help them execute a specific action or gently positioning their body to facilitate movement.

This level of intervention is considered intrusive because it can significantly impact the individual’s independence and ability to perform tasks on their own. While other prompts, such as verbal, visual, or gestural prompts, provide assistance in less direct ways—such as giving instructions, showing pictures, or using gestures to indicate the desired action—physical prompts require close physical involvement, which can be more complex and potentially distressing for the person involved.

In a therapeutic context, it's important to match the level of prompting to the individual’s needs while promoting autonomy, making physical prompts the most significant intervention among the options listed.