What does the "fade-out" process involve in behavior therapy?

The "fade-out" process in behavior therapy involves gradually reducing assistance until the individual achieves independence in performing a desired behavior or skill. This approach allows for a smooth transition where support is systematically diminished, enabling the person to develop the confidence and skills necessary to function independently over time. By starting with a higher level of support and gradually lessening it, the therapist can ensure that the individual has mastered the task and can perform it without reliance on prompts or assistance. This strategy is essential in promoting long-term behavior changes and empowering individuals to take charge of their progress. In contrast, stopping assistance suddenly, continuously increasing prompts, or providing help indefinitely would not support the goal of fostering independence and could lead to reliance on assistance rather than skill mastery.