functional communication training

Question 1

What is functional communication training

Answer 1

a new differential-reinforcement strategy for addressing problem behaviors

Question 2

What is functional communication training based on?

Answer 2

problem behavior is being used as communication so if proper techniques are taught, problem behaviors will fade while new skills are acquired.

Problem behaviors occur in order to:

• Access/obtain
• Escape/avoid
• Based on skinner and operant conditioning

Question 3

Goal of functional communication training

Answer 3

problem behavior is replaced with a new more appropriate replacement behavior.

FCT is not designed to have improved language functioning as its primary goal

Question 4

Five key components of functional communication training

Answer 4

1. Conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) (identifies environmental variables)
2. Matching communicative response to behavioral function (goal- teach an appropriate behavior that is efficient and acceptable to the child’s needs)
3. Selection of a communicative form to teach (could be verbal, sign, gesture, picture, or AAC)
4. Teaching replacement behavior (when and where, need a plan, and need to teach tolerance)
5. Responding to the replacement behavior and the challenging behavior (replacement behavior must be more efficient than problem behavior)

Question 5

Who do we do functional communication training with?

Answer 5

• Training is done with children and adults
• Individuals with severe and profound intellectual disability
• ASD
• PDD
• Individuals with problem behaviors such as children with EBD (emotional behavorial disorder)
• Appropriate for addressing problem behavior in individuals with and without labeled disabilities

Question 6

1. Characterization of method

2. Nature of goal

Answer 6

1. application of behavioral or operant teaching techniques
2. decrease the frequency of the problem behaviors and increasing functionally equivalent, socially acceptable communication behaviors

Question 7

1. Intervention agents
2. Nature of sessions
3. Demands for technology and specialized equipment

Answer 7

1. Professional trained in FCT working in collaboration with significant others (teachers, family members, and therapists)
2. Individual and group sessions
3. Little us of technology, but AAC systems may be used

Question 8

What to remember with FCT

Answer 8

• take a proactive stance
• FCT must be a team effort with parents, teachers, and therapists
• Consistency is important
• Challenging behaviors may increase as changes are initially made
• Important to ensure greater efficiency of replacement behavior as well as diminished efficiency of problem behavior

—extinction or withdrawal of reinforcement previously delivered

—mild punishment (depending on the child): reprimands, removing privileges, or frowning