A Meta-Analytic Review of Functional Communication Training Across Mode of Communication, Age, and Disability
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Heath, A. K., Ganz, J. B., et al. (2015).
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2(2), 155-166.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effects of functional communication training on reducing challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, stereotypy, noncompliance) for individuals with a diagnosed disability (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, other).
Not stated
1980 to 2011
Published, peer-reviewed, single-case research designs (e.g., multiple baseline, reversal/ABAB, alternating treatment)
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<div>Functional communication training (FCT) demonstrated a large effect size (Robust IRD=0.79) for decreasing challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, stereotypy, noncompliance) in individuals on the autism spectrum.</div>
<div>Functional communication training (FCT) demonstrated a moderate effect size (Robust IRD=0.64) for decreasing challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, stereotypy, noncompliance) in individuals with intellectual disabilities.</div>
<div>Functional communication training (FCT) demonstrated a larger effect size (Robust IRD=0.83) for decreasing challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, stereotypy, noncompliance) in individuals when combined with spoken language as compared to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use. FCT with aided AAC use demonstrated significantly higher effects (Robust IRD=0.74) than unaided AAC use (Robust IRD=0.48). While mode of communication was found to be a moderating variable for FCT, the authors also note that an individual's cognitive abilities, and thus their ability or inability to access different communication modalities, may also contribute to the effects of FCT. Additional research on the impact of communication modality on FCT effectiveness is warranted.</div>
