What is Functional Communication Training (FCT)?

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a technique specifically designed to teach effective communication skills that can replace challenging behaviors. The essence of FCT lies in identifying the underlying purpose of an individual's challenging behavior—such as gaining attention, accessing preferred items, or escaping demands—and then teaching them a communicative alternative that serves the same function.

For instance, instead of a child screaming to get a toy, FCT would involve teaching them to use a word, sign, or picture to request the toy appropriately. This approach helps to decrease the challenging behavior while simultaneously promoting more positive communication methods that enhance the individual's ability to interact with their environment effectively.

In contrast, while enhancing social skills, assessing communication disorders, and educational assessments are important components of communication disorders therapy and intervention, they do not directly describe the primary objective of FCT, which is centered around replacing maladaptive behaviors with functional communication. This clear focus on addressing behavior through communication is what sets FCT apart as a specialized method within the broader field of communication disorders.