Replication of a high-probability request sequence with varied interprompt times in a preschool setting.

One preschooler with autism would not follow adult requests. The team tried a high-probability request sequence. They gave three fun, easy instructions first, then one hard instruction.

They tested two gaps between the last easy and the hard request. One gap was 5 seconds. The other gap was 20 seconds. They counted how often the child obeyed the hard request.

With the 5-second gap, the child followed the hard request almost every time. With the 20-second gap, compliance fell back to the same low level as before training.

Waiting longer wiped out the power of the high-p sequence. The short pause kept the momentum going.

Borgen et al. (2017) later packed even more value into the same 5-second window. They added quick reinforcer bites and skipped most non-compliance trials. Both studies show the high-p sequence works, but the 2017 package makes it faster and stronger.

Knutson et al. (2019) looked at task ratios instead of timing. They found that mixing in too many easy, mastered tasks slowed learning. Together these papers say: keep the pace tight and the ratio lean.

Wanchisen et al. (1989) had already shown that letting kids pick reinforcers before sessions cuts problem behavior. Their quick choice ritual pairs well with the 5-second high-p rule: know what the child wants, then move fast.

You now have a simple timer rule: count to five, not twenty. Use it every time you run a high-p sequence. Pair it with presession reinforcer checks and skip long non-compliance battles. This keeps therapy brisk, fun, and effective for preschoolers with autism.