Functional Communication Training for Children with Autism: New Research on Effective Intervention Methods

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center have published a new study on the effectiveness of functional communication training (FCR) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who exhibit problem behavior. The study, conducted by Cynthia P. Livingston and colleagues, aimed to investigate the relationship between acquisition of and preference for mand topographies, a key component of FCR. The findings suggest that FCR can be a valuable tool in reducing problem behavior in children with autism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Functional communication training (FCR) is a widely used function-based intervention to replace inappropriate and severe challenging behavior in children with autism.
  • Clinicians may consider several factors when selecting FCR topography, including response effort, social significance, and preference.
  • The study found that all five participants acquired and demonstrated a clear preference for at least one FCR topography during the mand topography assessment (MTA).
  • The results showed that the number of sessions and order of teaching do not appear to influence preference.
  • The study supports the use of FCR as an effective intervention method for reducing problem behavior in children with autism.

Statistics:

  • The study included five participants with autism who exhibited problem behavior.
  • All participants acquired and demonstrated a clear preference for at least one FCR topography during the MTA.
  • The results showed that little to no problem behaviors were observed throughout the acquisition of FCRs and during MTA.
  • The study found no significant differences in preference between participants who received FCR first and those who received it last.

Sources:

  • Livingston, C. P., Charles, B. M., Jeglum, S. R., Luehring, M. C., & Kurtz, P. F. (2024). Comparison of Mand Acquisition and Preference In Children With Autism Who Exhibit Problem Behavior. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 2024.
  • "Functional Communication Training", Tiger, J. H., Hanley, G. P., & Horner, R. H. (2008). Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 33(1), 30-46.