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).

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.

• Luke receives support at the hand with strong backward pressure after each key stroke.
• Megan types with a light touch on the shoulder.
• Rebecca types with one hand.
• Shaffer works on developing a rhythm with two-handed typing.
• Trey types slowly for a long period of time.
• Laura types but tires quickly.

This diversity of supports and styles of typing complicates any understanding of facilitated communication as a prescribed method. Instead it is a dynamic and long-term process of identifying, implementing, and evaluating communication supports according to AAC guidelines.

The goal of facilitated communication is for individuals to achieve independent expression, often with a combination of typing and speech.