Key Points:
- Functional communication training (FCT) helps children replace challenging behaviors with meaningful, appropriate communication.
- FCT is a core strategy used in ABA therapy to teach kids how to express their needs effectively.
- Parents can play an important role in supporting and reinforcing these communication skills at home.
Sometimes, it feels impossible to figure out what a child needs when they’re upset—tears, tantrums, or even aggression seem to come out of nowhere. This is a common struggle for parents of autistic children, but with functional communication ABA strategies, there is hope and help to make communication easier and clearer for everyone.
What is Functional Communication Training in ABA?
Yes, functional communication training (FCT) in ABA is a highly effective way to replace challenging behaviors with appropriate communication. Functional communication ABA techniques teach children to ask for what they want—in a way they can manage—instead of resorting to behaviors like screaming or hitting.
Put simply, FCT identifies the reason behind a child’s behavior (often called the “function” of the behavior) and then teaches a specific word, sign, gesture, or picture to meet that same need. For example, if a child throws toys when they want attention, FCT would teach them to say “Play with me” or hand a picture card instead.
This approach is deeply rooted in applied behavior analysis (ABA), which emphasizes positive reinforcement and evidence-based teaching methods. Parents often find FCT reassuring because it doesn’t just stop a behavior—it gives the child a more effective way to express themselves.
Why Do Children Use Challenging Behaviors to Communicate?
It’s common for autistic children with speech delays to rely on behaviors—like crying, grabbing, or running away—because they lack the tools to express what they need. These behaviors often work for them in the short term. For instance:
- Screaming may result in getting attention.
- Throwing objects might lead to escaping a task they don’t like.
- Hitting could get someone to back away when they feel overwhelmed.
Functional communication ABA training works by figuring out what the child is trying to achieve with those behaviors and replacing it with something that’s easier, safer, and more socially appropriate.
How Does Functional Communication Training Work?
Functional communication training is a step-by-step process that starts with understanding the child’s needs and then systematically teaching a better way to meet those needs.
Before diving into the details, here are the main steps therapists and parents follow when implementing functional communication ABA strategies:
- Identify the function of the behavior: What does the child get or avoid by engaging in the behavior? This is determined through careful observation or a formal functional behavior assessment (FBA).
- Choose an appropriate communication method: Depending on the child’s abilities, this could be spoken words, sign language, pictures, a communication device, or gestures.
- Teach the new skill: Practice the replacement communication every time the child’s usual challenging behavior is likely to occur.
- Reinforce the communication: Immediately meet the child’s request when they use the appropriate communication, so they learn it works better than the old behavior.
- Fade prompts and increase independence: Over time, the goal is for the child to use the new communication skill on their own, without reminders.
What are Some Examples of Functional Communication Training?
Parents often find it easier to understand functional communication ABA by seeing it in action. Here are some common scenarios where FCT can make a big difference:
- A child who screams when they want a snack is taught to hand over a picture card of the snack instead.
- A child who runs out of the room when work gets hard learns to say, “Break, please” or use a break card.
- A child who hits others for attention learns to say, “Play with me” or tap someone gently to get their attention.
These examples show how FCT directly addresses the function of the behavior while empowering the child to communicate in a way others can understand and respond to.
Why is FCT So Important for Parents to Understand?
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing and maintaining the communication skills their child learns in therapy. Since challenging behaviors can happen anywhere—not just in a therapy session—it’s important that everyone in the child’s life understands what to look for and how to respond.
Here’s why parent involvement matters:
- Consistency: Children learn faster when everyone responds the same way to their communication.
- Generalization: Skills taught in therapy need to work in real-life settings, like home, school, or playgrounds.
- Empowerment: Understanding functional communication ABA helps parents feel less frustrated and more confident when supporting their child.
Tips for Supporting FCT at Home
Supporting functional communication ABA at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent efforts can go a long way in helping your child succeed.
Here are some practical tips parents can use:
- Learn the signals: Watch for moments when your child is likely to engage in challenging behaviors and be ready to prompt the replacement communication instead.
- Reinforce quickly: Always respond right away when your child uses the new communication skill so they see its value.
- Keep it simple: Use communication methods that are appropriate for your child’s current abilities—don’t expect perfect words right away.
- Practice daily: Integrate communication practice into everyday routines, like mealtime, playtime, or errands.
- Work with your ABA team: Stay in touch with your child’s therapists to ensure everyone is on the same page about goals and strategies.
Common Myths About Functional Communication Training
Even though FCT is a proven method, there are a few misconceptions that sometimes cause confusion. It helps to set the record straight:
- Myth: It only works for kids who can talk.
Fact: FCT can be adapted for nonverbal children using pictures, signs, or devices. - Myth: Teaching communication takes too long.
Fact: Many children begin using replacement communication very quickly once they understand it gets their needs met. - Myth: FCT just ignores the behavior.
Fact: FCT actively addresses the behavior by teaching a better alternative, not just ignoring the problem.
When to Consider Functional Communication Training
If your child is showing persistent challenging behaviors—especially if those behaviors seem to happen for a clear reason, like wanting something, avoiding something, or seeking attention—then functional communication ABA techniques are worth exploring.
Children of all ages and abilities can benefit from learning to express themselves more effectively. And the earlier these skills are taught, the easier it is for them to become part of everyday life.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication?
At Spirit ABA, we know how challenging it can feel to navigate behavior and communication struggles. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping children and families through personalized ABA therapy programs, including functional communication training.
If you’re looking for ABA therapy in Nebraska, Colorado, and Iowa, Spirit ABA is here to help. Together, we can create a plan to teach your child meaningful communication skills, reduce frustration, and build confidence—for both your child and your family.
Reach out to us today and take the first step toward empowering your child’s voice!
