Functional Communication Training
Also called: FCT
Definition
A treatment in which the person is taught a communicative response — a word, sign, card or device press — that produces the same reinforcer as the problem behavior, while the problem behavior stops producing it. It is a form of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior matched to function, and it is among the best-supported treatments for problem behavior.
In plain language
Teaching the person a way to ask for what the problem behavior used to get. The asking works; the problem behavior stops working.
Example
A learner who screamed to end tasks is taught to hand over a break card, and break cards are honored while screaming no longer ends the task.
Not functional communication training
Teaching the learner to say "please" for a snack when the screaming was about escaping work. The new response does not serve the same function.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- carr-durand-1985
- hagopian-1998
Written from Carr and Durand (1985) and Hagopian et al. (1998). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.