Enhancing School Readiness Through Functional Communication Training (FCT)

Intervention for increasing school readiness of children with autism through Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a revolutionary method that emphasizes the role of communication in school and other settings. FCT is based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and it is a planned procedure that substitutes the problematic behavior with positive communication, thus creating a conducive learning environment.
The place of FCT in ABA
FCT is one of the key components of ABA Therapy to understand the purpose of undesirable behaviors in children with autism and exchange them with functional communication skills. Therefore, FCT directs attention to the function of disruptive behaviors, be it gaining attention or escaping from a task, and then provides children with the necessary means to communicate appropriately. This improves their language skills and socialization - a component of school readiness.
Importance in School Preparation
Mainstream school transition for children with autism does not only concern their ability to learn but also their ability to communicate. In this preparation, FCT is vital as it prepares the child to ask for what they want appropriately. This can greatly decrease the amount of aggression, temper tantrums, and other behavioral problems, thus making it easier for the child to adapt to the school setting and be productive.