A Guide to Incorporate Augmentative and Alternative Communication Into Functional Communication Training

Children with autism spectrum disorder often display some form of challenging behavior and have complex communication needs. Functional communication training is an evidence-based practice that (a) decreases challenging behavior and (b) increases appropriate communicative behavior. Recent research has demonstrated how using augmentative and alternative communication (i.e., various forms of communication that do not involve vocal speech) can be successfully incorporated into functional communication training interventions. This article introduces a four-step guide on how to incorporate augmentative and alternative communication within functional communication training interventions. Detailed guidelines on how to incorporate augmentative and alternative communication, along with a vignette example, are provided.