Functional Communication Training (FCT) focuses on teaching children reliable, positive ways to express their needs to reduce frustration and replace challenging behaviors.
Examples of functional communication training include:
- Requesting Needs: Learning to ask for a snack by pointing, using pictures, or saying “more” instead of crying or reaching for out-of-reach items.
- Protesting Appropriately: Teaching a child to say “stop” or use a specific signal instead of having a tantrum when they want an activity to end.
- Asking for Help: Training a child to appropriately request assistance with a difficult task rather than becoming frustrated.
- Social Initiations: Practicing simple social interactions, such as saying “hi” to a peer or an adult.
- Requesting Breaks: Using a specific word or signal to ask for a break during school or therapy tasks to maintain emotional regulation.
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