| Functional Communication Training | |
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Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a strategy for use with children who require a more individualized intervention approach because they continue to exhibit challenging behaviors even when classroom-wide prevention strategies are in place (for example, classroom rules, consistent schedules, predictable routines). FCT involves identifying the function or purpose of the child’s challenging behavior (for example, hitting, screaming, taking toys away from others) and then teaching an appropriate behavior that will serve the same purpose for the child. This behavior is referred to as a replacement behavior. For example, adults might teach a child who hits his peers when he needs or wants something to instead use his words to ask his friends for help. While the challenging behavior is often disruptive or aggressive, such as a tantrum, the replacement behavior should involve speech or some other type of appropriate communication, such as pointing or gesturing. Read On... Note: This makes clear sense and Vanderbilt, a world renowned hospital system has published a terrific explanation how Functional Communication Training works. Negative and punishing behaviors simply don"t work because they don"t teach the child the skills that are required to exhibit positive behaviors.  |
