Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Conducting Functional Communication Training in Home Settings: A Case Study and Recommendations for Practitioners

  • Published:
Behavior Analysis in Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We coached a parent to conduct functional analysis and functional communication training (FCT) procedures in her home to reduce the destructive behavior displayed by her 2-year-old son. Descriptive assessment information and functional analysis results suggested that destructive behavior was maintained by escape from demands. After conducting a series of baseline probes, the parent implemented an FCT program to teach her son to comply with designated task requests and to mand for a break to play. Results showed that destructive behavior decreased and manding and independent task completion increased during FCT. Positive intervention outcomes were maintained for 1 year. Results are discussed with respect to developing an FCT program that is both efficient and acceptable for parents to implement in their homes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Berg, W. K., Wacker, D. P., Harding, J. W., Ganzer, J., & Barretto, A. (2007). An evaluation of multiple dependent variables across distinct classes of antecedent stimuli pre and post functional communication training. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention, 3(4)–4(1), 305–333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bijou, S. W., Peterson, R. F., & Ault, M. H. (1968). A method to integrate descriptive and experimental field studies at the level of data and empirical concepts. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 175–191.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18, 111–126.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Day, H. M., Horner, R. H., & O’Neill, R. E. (1994). Multiple functions of problem behaviors: Assessment and intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 279–289.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Derby, K. M., Wacker, D. P., Berg, W., DeRaad, A., Ulrich, S., Asmus, J., et al. (1997). The long-term effects of functional communication training in home settings. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 507–531.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M. (1999). Functional communication training using assistive devices: Recruiting natural communities of reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 247–267.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M., & Carr, E. G. (1991). Functional communication training to reduce challenging behavior: Maintenance and application in new settings. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 251–264.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M., & Carr, E. G. (1992). An analysis of maintenance following functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 777–794.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W.W., Kuhn, D.E., & Thompson, R.H. (1998). Establishing discriminative control of responding using functional and alternative reinforcers during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 543–560.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W., Piazza, C. C., Cataldo, M., Harrell, R., Jefferson, G., & Conner, R. (1993). Functional communication training with and without extinction and punishment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 23–26.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Harding, J. W., Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Winborn-Kemmerer, L., Lee, J. F., & Ibrahimovic, M. (2009). Analysis of multiple manding topographies during functional communication training. Education and Treatment of Children, 32, 21–36. NIHMSID # 95534

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., & Day, H. M. (1991). The effects of response efficiencies on functionally equivalent competing behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 719–732.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 197–209. (Reprinted from Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2, 3–20, 1982).

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Pace, G. M., Dorsey, M. F., Zarcone, J. R., Vollmer, T. R., Smith, R. G., et al. (1994). The functions of self-injurious behavior: An experimental-epidemiological analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 215–240.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, M. E., Lerman, D. C., & Van Camp, C. M. (2002). The effects of competing reinforcement schedules on the acquisition of functional communication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 59–63.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lalli, J. S., Casey, S., & Kates, K. (1995). Reducing escape behavior and increasing task completion with functional communication training, extinction, and response chaining. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 28, 261–268.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., & Lalli, J. S. (1991). Linking descriptive and experimental analyses in the treatment of bizarre speech. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 553–562.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Reimers, T., & Wacker, D. (1988). Parents’ ratings of the acceptability of behavioral treatment recommendations made in an outpatient clinic: A preliminary analysis of the influence of treatment effectiveness. Behavioral Disorders, 14, 7–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, T. F., & Baer, D. M. (1977). An implicit technology of generalization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 349–367.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Tiger, J. H., Hanley, G. P., & Bruzek, J. (2008). Functional communication training: A review and practical guide. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1, 16–23.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Touchette, P. E., MacDonald, R. F., & Langer, S. N. (1985). A scatterplot for identifying stimulus control of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18, 343–351.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., & Berg, W. K. (1992). Inducing reciprocal parent/child interactions. Rockville, MD: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child and Human Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., & Harding, J. W. (1996). Promoting stimulus generalization with young children. Rockville, MD: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child and Human Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., & Harding, J. W. (2000). Functional communication training augmented with choices. Rockville, MD: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child and Human Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., & Harding, J. W. (2004). Maintenance effects of functional communication training. Rockville, MD: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Child and Human Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Harding, J. W., Barretto, A., Rankin, B., & Ganzer, J. (2005). Treatment effectiveness, stimulus generalization, and parent acceptability of functional communication training. Educational Psychology, 25, 231–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Harding, J. W., Derby, K. M., Asmus, J. M., & Healy, A. (1998). Evaluation and long-term treatment of aberrant behavior displayed by young children with disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 19, 26–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Harding, J. W., & Lee, J. F. (2008, December). An evaluation of behavioral persistence following long-term treatment of destructive behavior with functional communication training. Invited presentation for the Maryland Association for Behavior Analysis, Baltimore, MD.

  • Wacker, D. P., Steege, M. W., Northup, J., Sasso, G., Berg, W., Reimers, T., et al. (1990). A component analysis of functional communication training across three topographies of severe behavior problems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23, 417–429.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Winborn, L., Wacker, D. P., Richman, D. M., Asmus, J., & Geier, D. (2002). Assessment of mand selection for functional communication training packages. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 295–298.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Windsor, J., Piché, L. M., & Locke, P. A. (1994). Preference testing: A comparison of two presentation methods. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 15, 439–455.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Danielle Dolezal Ph.D.

    Present address: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Disabilities and Development, The University of Iowa, 100 Hawkins Drive, Room 251, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Jay W. Harding Ed.S., David P. Wacker Ph.D., Wendy K. Berg M.A., John F. Lee B.A. & Danielle Dolezal Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Jay W. Harding Ed.S.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. David P. Wacker Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wendy K. Berg M.A.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. John F. Lee B.A.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Danielle Dolezal Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jay W. Harding Ed.S..

Additional information

This investigation was supported by Grant R01 HD029402 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of health.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or the National Institutes of Health. The authors express their appreciation to the family who participated in this investigation and to Agnes DeRaad for her assistance with manuscript preparation.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Harding, J.W., Wacker, D.P., Berg, W.K. et al. Conducting Functional Communication Training in Home Settings: A Case Study and Recommendations for Practitioners. Behav Analysis Practice 2, 21–33 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391734

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391734

Descriptors

Search

Navigation