Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an evidence-based treatment through which problem behavior is replaced with communication. Dr. Mahshid Ghaemmaghami has implemented FCT within her practice as a behavior analyst for many years. Given her positive history with FCT as a practitioner, Dr. Ghaemmaghami was curious to learn more about the strengths and limitations of FCT according to the available published data. In this episode’s interview, Dr. Ghaemmaghami discusses her 2021 article from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis entitled “Functional communication training: From efficacy to effectiveness.” Dr. Ghaemmaghami conducted a systematic review of 208 empirical studies of FCT and carefully examined the outcomes of 744 applications of the treatment with 640 study participants. In doing so, she managed to evaluate the degree to which the efficacy and effectiveness of FCT has been established, and provides a clear accounting of the areas of research that need to be addressed by behavior analysts in the future. Additionally, Dr. Ghaemmaghami provides guidance to practitioners on how they can interpret the evidence for FCT and can responsibly and effectively use this treatment in their work with clients.

Featured Guest:
Mahshid Ghaemmaghami, Ph.D., BCBA-D, FTF Behavioral Consulting, [email protected]
Interviewers:
John Staubitz, VKC- TRIAD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, [email protected]
Will Martin, Autism in Motion Clinics, [email protected]
Article Citation:
Ghaemmaghami M, Hanley GP, Jessel J. (2021) Functional communication training: From efficacy to effectiveness. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54 (1), 122-143. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.762