Physical prompting, what is it, and when does it become something more?

Physical prompting is not typically well defined in applied settings and can occur with a range of force that can vary greatly, but when the individual begins to resist everything can change rapidly. What was a mild physical prompt is now a “vigorous” physical prompt that is beginning to look and function like restraint. Individuals may resist physical guidance whether it’s to discourage them from hitting or encourage them to remain seated. This presentation will focus on differences between physical prompts and restraint as well as factors that cause parents/guardians and the public to deem restraints acceptable or unacceptable. Other topics will include 1) an examination of the concepts of accommodation and discrimination as they apply to individuals with special needs, 2) a clear, functional definition of restraint for parents, 3) the 3 types of control that are used with all people and why even mild restraint must sometimes be used as a form of control, and 4) How to justify the use of procedures that are definitely “against the will” of the child and may even result in a momentary restriction of the individual’s rights.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain the differences between restraint and physical prompting, and how physical prompting can easily turn into restraint.
2. Participants will be able to list the 3 types of control and how to explain to parents how these forms of control are used with children as they develop.
3. Participants will be able to explain what is meant by “discrepant treatment” of those with special needs and how our biases determine how we label any discrepant treatment we see.
4. Participants will be able to explain how the context of restraint is typically more important than the restraint itself in determining acceptability.
5. Participants will be able to explain the perception of malice and incompetence when it comes to restraint use and how this perception can prevent parental cooperation.