Making
Requests

Definition of an Effective Request

• An Effective Request is a statement intended to direct an individual to perform a behavior that teaches and reinforces the “keystone” social skill of compliance (i.e. following directions). 
• An Effective Request is delivered by making a statement, and then following-through with Behavior Specific Praise for compliance or with an alternative consequence for non-compliance.

Characteristics of an Effective Request

• Few in number
• Delivered in a polite and pleasant manner
• Worded as statements rather than questions
• Well-timed
• Consistent with the individual’s knowledge, skill and ability
• Specific
• Stated as a “start up” request rather than a “stop” request
• Followed with praise

Steps for Making an Effective Request

1. Decide what needs to be done.
2. Make a statement directing individual to do what needs to be done.
   1. Uses the sentence stem,  “(Name), please ______.”
   2. Incorporates the characteristics of an effective Request.
3. Follow-through
   • Respond with Behavior Specific Praise for compliance to the Request

   OR

   • Provide an alternative consequence for non-compliance

Examples:

• “Mary, please set the table.”  (She starts setting the table.)  “Mary, nice job following directions.”

• (To the whole group), “Everyone, please go in and take a seat.”  (Everyone is seated.) “Good job following directions.”

• “Alex, please get your laundry.”  (He does not get his laundry, so the staff member uses a consequence for non-compliance e.g. praises others while withdrawing attention from Alex).