What is the process of "fading" in behavior intervention?

Fading is a key technique used in behavior intervention that involves the gradual reduction of prompts or supports as an individual gains independence in a skill or behavior. The primary goal of fading is to help the learner perform the desired behavior on their own, without relying on external cues or assistance over time. This process helps strengthen the individual's confidence and competence in using the learned skills independently, promoting long-term retention and generalization across different settings.

By systematically removing prompts—be it verbal, visual, or physical—while ensuring that the individual still experiences success, the technique supports the learner in transitioning from reliance on guidance to self-sufficiency. Each fading step is carefully planned and occurs only when the learner demonstrates readiness, ensuring that learning remains a positive experience.

In contrast, other options either misrepresent the process or introduce concepts that aren't aligned with the core intent of fading. For example, gradually increasing the complexity of tasks does not focus on the reduction of support, while suddenly removing all support disregards the gradual nature of fading. Changing behavior intervention strategies frequently could confuse the learner instead of promoting independence through consistent support reduction. Thus, the selected option accurately captures the essence of the fading process in behavior interventions.