Functional communication training (FCT) in ABA is an evidence-based intervention that teaches a child to replace a challenging behavior with a communication skill that meets the same need. A BCBA first identifies why the behavior happens, then teaches a word, sign, picture, or device request that gets the same result, so the old behavior is no longer needed.
Why Challenging Behavior Is Often Communication
When your child yells, hits, or throws things, it can feel like defiance. But behavior that looks “bad” is often working for your child in some way. They may be trying to get a break from something difficult, reach a favorite toy, or get your attention. In that sense, the behavior is a way of communicating.
ABA looks at the four functions of behavior to understand that need. Functional communication training gives your child another way to express it. First introduced by Carr and Durand in 1985, it’s now recognized as an evidence-based practice for autistic learners.
How Does Functional Communication Training Work?
FCT in ABA therapy follows three main steps.
Step 1: Identify the function of the behavior
A BCBA uses a functional behavior assessment (FBA) to understand why the behavior happens. Is your child seeking attention, trying to leave a task, asking for an item, or meeting a sensory need? The team looks at what happens just before and after the behavior to find the pattern.
Step 2: Teach a replacement communication response
Your child then learns a way to ask for the same thing, called a functional communication response. This could be a word, sign, gesture, picture card, or button on an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device. The team practices with your child during calm moments, before they need to use it.
Step 3: Reinforce the new skill, not the old behavior
At first, adults respond to the new request quickly, every time, while the old behavior stops getting that result. This is differential reinforcement: rewarding the new skill instead of the old behavior. Your child gets repeated chances to learn that their request works.
Examples of Functional Communication Training
Here are a few functional communication training examples. In each one, a child’s behavior is getting them something: a break, a favorite item, or attention. FCT teaches them a clearer way to ask for it.
Escape: asking for a break
Homework may feel too hard, and a child may yell to get away from it. With FCT, they practice saying “break” or handing over a “break” card. The request gets them the break that yelling used to get.
Access: requesting a preferred item
For a child who screams for a toy, the new request might be pointing to its picture or saying its name. Adults give them the toy when they ask, while screaming stops getting that result.
Attention: getting an adult’s attention
A child who hits to be noticed learns to tap a shoulder or say “look.” An adult responds right away, giving them the attention they were asking for.
What Communication Methods Can FCT Use?
FCT can use speech, sign language, gestures, picture exchange (PECS), or AAC devices. The choice comes down to what your child can use easily and what others will understand. Functional communication works for children who talk and those who don’t.
Learn more about ABA therapy for nonverbal children and how ABA builds communication skills.
What Happens After Your Child Learns to Ask?
Learning to wait and hear “not right now”
At first, requests get a quick response. Once your child can rely on that, their BCBA gradually introduces waiting and hearing “not right now.” That way, your child isn’t asking for a break every minute, and they can handle moments when a break or toy isn’t available right away. The change happens slowly to help your child keep using the new skill.
Why old behaviors can come back
A new caregiver might not respond to your child’s request. If asking stops working, your child may return to the behavior that worked before. Consistent responses across adults help your child keep relying on the new skill.
How Parents Can Support FCT at Home
At home, you can help your child practice the same request they’re learning in therapy:
- Respond quickly early on. Give your child what they’re asking for right away, especially at first.
- Keep tools within reach. Picture cards and devices need to be easy for your child to reach.
- Use the same words. Follow the words and signs your therapy team uses.
- Celebrate attempts. Praise the effort, even when the request isn’t perfect.
If your child also receives speech therapy, working with your child’s speech therapist can help everyone use the same approach.
Is FCT the Right Approach for Every Behavior?
FCT fits best when a behavior serves a social purpose, such as getting attention, leaving a task, or gaining access to an item. Sensory needs may call for a different approach. Not every behavior needs to be replaced, and your child’s BCBA will help decide what’s appropriate.
How United Care ABA Uses Functional Communication Training
At United Care ABA, our BCBAs begin by understanding what your child needs, then teach a communication skill that fits. We practice in real situations and work with your family to support its use at home, at school, and in therapy. For a closer look, read what happens during an ABA session.
FAQs
What is functional communication training?
Functional communication training (FCT) is an ABA intervention that teaches a child a communication skill, such as a word, sign, picture card, or device button, that gets the same result a challenging behavior used to get. Once the new skill works reliably, the child no longer needs the old behavior.
What are some examples of functional communication?
Saying or signing “break” instead of throwing work materials, handing over a picture of a snack instead of screaming, or tapping a parent’s arm instead of hitting to get attention. Each one is a clear, simple way to ask for the same thing the behavior was getting.
How do you teach functional communication training?
A BCBA first identifies the function of the behavior through a functional behavior assessment. The team then teaches the new request while the child is calm, prompts it at the right moments, and responds to it quickly every time, while the old behavior stops producing that result.
Does my child need to be able to talk for FCT to work?
No. FCT works for children who speak, children with a few words, and children who do not speak. The replacement can be a sign, a gesture, a picture card, or an AAC device, whichever your child can use most easily.
How long does functional communication training take to work?
There is no fixed timeline. Some children start using the new request within a few weeks, while others need months of consistent practice. Progress depends on your child’s current skills and how consistently the request is honored at home, at school, and in therapy.
1 References
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Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules. (n.d.). Functional communication training (FCT). Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM), FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/ebp-module/functional-communication-training-fct/
