Functional Communication Training for Problem Behavior
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this study is to improve how we teach self-control and communication skills to children and adolescents with challenging behaviors. Researchers aim to find ways to make behavior-change treatments more effective and long-lasting, even when the environment or reinforcement schedules change. The main questions this study will answer are: Can innovative techniques help children maintain learned skills, such as asking for attention or waiting for rewards, when faced with new people, places, or situations? How do cognitive and behavioral factors, like memory, timing, and decision-making, affect the success of treatments? Participants in this study will: Complete assessments to identify preferred activities and understand the causes of challenging behaviors. Learn communication skills to replace challenging behaviors, such as tantrums or crying, with more appropriate actions like asking for attention. Participate in activities designed to understand their individual responses to different types of rewards and delays.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Caregiver Fading, Extinction-Correlated Stimuli, Functional Communication Training, Multiple-Context Generalization Training, Structured-Probe Schedule Thinning?
Research shows that Functional Communication Training (FCT) is effective in reducing severe behavior problems by teaching alternative communication methods. Studies indicate that FCT can lead to significant reductions in aggressive and self-injurious behaviors, especially when combined with other strategies like extinction or punishment.12345
Is Functional Communication Training generally safe for humans?
Functional Communication Training (FCT) has been used safely in various studies to reduce severe behavior problems in individuals with developmental disabilities. It is considered an evidence-based practice and has been shown to decrease both targeted destructive behaviors and non-targeted disruptive behaviors without reported safety concerns.13678
How is Functional Communication Training different from other treatments for problem behavior?
Functional Communication Training (FCT) is unique because it focuses on understanding the reasons behind problem behaviors and teaches alternative, positive ways to communicate those needs. Unlike other treatments that might use punishment or ignore the behavior, FCT aims to replace the problem behavior with a more appropriate communication method, making it a more positive and constructive approach.12347
Research Team
John Falligant, PhD
Principal Investigator
Auburn University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who exhibit severe problem behavior (SPB) maintained by social positive reinforcement, like seeking attention or wanting preferred items.Inclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in assessments and training sessions to identify and target challenging behaviors, replace them with functional communication skills, and evaluate behavior change robustness under varying conditions.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for the maintenance and generalization of newly acquired skills across various contexts and with different individuals.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Caregiver Fading (Behavioural Intervention)
- Extinction-Correlated Stimuli (Behavioural Intervention)
- Functional Communication Training (Behavioural Intervention)
- Multiple-Context Generalization Training (Behavioural Intervention)
- Structured-Probe Schedule Thinning (Behavioural Intervention)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Auburn University
Lead Sponsor
Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
Collaborator