A technique that was popular a few years ago, in which an individual spelled messages via an alphabet board while a facilitator held the individual's arm. While the technique has been largely discredited due to the potential for partner influence, that does not mean that the individual is not capable of more communication through other alternative techniques.
At times controversial, FC is used as an alternative means of communication for people with no, or extremely dysfunctional speech. The FC facilitator normally supports a client's hand, wrist or arm while that person uses a communicator to spell out words, phrases or sentences. Use of FC with people with autism is centred on the notion that many of the difficulties faced are due to a movement disorder, rather than social or communication deficits.
is a method whereby a person with autism is able to point to letters or type out letters on a keyboard or electronic device or computer - provided the person with autism receives the support of the touch of another person or "facilitator" on wrist, elbow or shoulder. The elements of facilitated communication are: physical support; progressing from initial training to practice and finally to fluency; maintaining focus; emotional support; and fading physical support.
A communication technique that assumes that the user has communicative competence rather than impairment and that the user will be able to produce meaningful, even complex messages with the proper support. The individual's forearm, wrist, and if necessary the index finger is physically supported by the facilitator.
NAS Approach to assist people with no speech or with dysfunctional speech to find alternative means of communication. The facilitator normally supports a client's hand, wrist or arm while that person uses a communicator to spell out words, phrases or sentences.
Facilitated communication (FC) is a controversial method intended to help people with severe neurological impairment to use communication aids with their hands. The facilitators claim to offer only emotional and physical support to the user, and that the user points toward the communication device (often a picture board, speech synthesizer or keyboard) by their own will. The immediate aim of FC is to allow the user to make choices and to communicate in a way that has been impossible previously.