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 other professional, a family member or a friend. This support is highly individualized, based on specific needs. Thus it does not look the same from person to person.
The person who receives the support is called the FC user or simply the communicator.
Read the words of three FC users:
“individuality is something I was born with through having a disability. Even my typing makes me unique. Typing makes me the desirable fun girl in control of my individuality.”
- Blair Brown, college student and FC user
“ Typing felt like freedom from autism. Have you ever felt trapped and ran outside and shouted Yea! That is how it felt for me.”
- Jamie Burke, college student and FC user
“Without FC I am imprisoned in a body that cannot reveal who I really am. This form of communication has changed my life and it is no full of possibilities and opportunities for me to be heard in the world.”
- Tyler Fihe, college student and FC user
Click here to read more about these FC users and the method.