What Is FCT?

Functional Communication Training is an evidence-based ABA intervention that teaches individuals to communicate their needs effectively as a replacement for challenging behaviors. Developed by researchers Carr and Durand in 1985, FCT is based on the principle that challenging behaviors serve communicative functions. By teaching an equivalent communication response, the need for the challenging behavior is eliminated.

How FCT Works

FCT follows a systematic process. First, a functional behavior assessment identifies why the challenging behavior occurs (escape, attention, access, sensory). Then, a communication response that serves the same function is identified (vocal request, sign, picture card, or device-generated message). The new response is taught systematically, reinforced consistently, and the challenging behavior is no longer reinforced. Over time, the communication response replaces the challenging behavior.

Examples of FCT

A child who hits to get parental attention learns to say “play with me” or tap a picture card. A child who screams to escape a difficult task learns to request a break using a break card. A child who throws objects to access a tablet learns to point to a picture of the tablet. The replacement response must be as easy or easier than the challenging behavior and must produce the same outcome consistently.

Research Support

FCT is one of the most extensively researched ABA interventions, with decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness across ages, settings, and types of challenging behavior. Research consistently shows significant reductions in problem behavior when FCT is implemented correctly. The intervention is effective for both verbal and nonverbal individuals using appropriate communication modalities.

FCT at Treetop ABA Therapy

FCT is a core component of many treatment plans at Treetop ABA Therapy. Our BCBAs conduct thorough functional assessments to identify the purpose behind each challenging behavior and develop communication alternatives that are effective, efficient, and practical for each child’s daily life.