What's Wrong with Facilitated Communication?

Facilitated Communication (FC) is a topic that raises many questions for parents and educators developing communication programs for their children with autism who exhibit complex communication needs. Guest speakers discussed FC (e.g., history, resurgence, issues around its use), and also Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options and ways to distinguish between evidence-based and non-evidence-based interventions. Panelist Bios: Ralf Schlosser, Ph.D, Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University Howard C. Shane, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Language Program in the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement at Boston Children’s Hospital. James T. Todd, Ph.D, professor of psychology at Eastern Michigan University. Janyce L. Boynton, M.Ed., B.S. is a former FC practitioner who educates people about the dangers of FC and other facilitator-influenced techniques. NCSAutism.org