functional-communication-training

Functional Communication Training replaces problem behavior with functional communication responses by designing prompt hierarchies, extinction procedures, and schedule thinning tailored to the learner's behavior function.

FCT implementation requires alignment with functional behavior assessment findings to select an appropriate functional communication response, modality, and reinforcement schedule that directly matches the identified behavior function.

Modality selection in FCT depends on learner abilities, choosing between vocal speech, PECS, sign language, or speech generating devices to establish an effective functional communication response.

Schedule thinning in FCT gradually adjusts reinforcement schedules and fades prompts to maintain learned communication responses while systematically reducing problem behavior through extinction procedures.

FCT applies across classroom, clinic, and home settings, guiding modality selection and prompt hierarchies for diverse learner profiles while maintaining data-driven fidelity monitoring and safety considerations.

FCT troubleshooting identifies barriers in prompt hierarchies, establishing operations, and extinction plans, requiring data-driven fidelity monitoring to adjust schedule thinning and improve ongoing behavior outcomes.