What is Facilitated Communication?
Facilitated communication training, FCT, (hereafter called facilitated communication or FC), is one form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that has been an effective means of expression for some individuals with labels of autism and other developmental disabilities. It entails learning to communicate by typing on a keyboard or pointing at letters, images, or other symbols to represent messages. Facilitated communication involves a combination of physical and emotional support to an individual who has difficulties with speech and with intentional pointing (i.e., unassisted typing). Facilitated communication training is useful for teaching individuals who cannot speak or point reliably due to neuro-motor problems such as impulsivity, regulation of movement, poor eye/hand coordination, and difficulty with initiation and sustainment of movement to develop effective pointing skills. The person who provides support is called a facilitator. A facilitator can be a teacher or
