FCT (Functional Communication Training) is a behavior intervention strategy that involves teaching individuals an appropriate and effective communication responseA response is a single occurrence or instance of a behavi... to replace maladaptive behaviors that serve the same function. The goal of FCT is to give the individual a functional way to communicate their needs or wants, thereby reducing the likelihood of problematic behaviors that may have been previously used to achieve the same result.
Example
A child frequently screams when they want help opening a toy. The therapist uses FCT by teaching the child to ask for help verbally or using a picture card instead of screaming. Each time the child asks for help appropriately, they receive the assistance they need (reinforcement). Over time, the child learns that asking for help is a more effective way to get their needs met, and the screaming behavior decreases.