Functional Communication Training FCT as an evidence-based practice

Functional communication training addresses inappropriate, maladaptive, and even aggressive behaviours towards others and themselves, by systematically identifying the function of the behaviour and providing a replacement behaviour in the form of appropriate communication that will enable the learner to get their needs met in a more acceptable way.

✓ What is Functional Communication Training (FCT) 

• It's an evidence-based practice for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder from 3-22 years old that can be implemented in multiple settings.
• It's a systematic practice to replace interfering behaviours with more appropriate and effective communicative behaviours.

✓ Why Use?

• FCT is helpful for learners with social communication deficits and challenging behaviours because it provides a more acceptable form of communication that enables the learner to achieve the same desired outcome (such as escaping a non-preferred task, obtaining attention, obtaining access to a preferred item or activity, etc.)
• FCT serves to reduce problematic behaviours that might be detrimental to the learner and others as well as to improve the communication skills of the learner
• FCT can also be a low-cost intervention that does not take long to create.
• Some of the problematic behaviours can be addressed by FCT.

✓ Outcomes

• The evidence-base for FCT supports the use of this practice to address: Social, Communication, Behaviour, School Readiness, Play, Adaptive Skills

Who is this training for
✓ For families of children and adults affected with ASD, Speech Delay, related conditions and awaiting the assessment
✓ For teachers from pre-school, primary and post-primary school who work with children and adults with special educational needs
✓ For special needs assistants
✓ For all involved in the care and support of children and adults with ASD and related conditions.

Purchase FCT course here

Go to all courses in evidence-based practices