Assessing Mand Topography Preference When Developing a Functional Communication Training Intervention.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Autism intervention research
• Communication disorders

Background:

• Functional communication training (FCT) is a behavioral intervention to decrease problem behavior.
• Arbitrary selection of communication methods may limit FCT effectiveness.
• Individualized interventions enhance treatment outcomes.

Observation:

• This study investigated the impact of assessing communication method preferences in adults with autism.
• Two adults with no prior functional communication skills participated.
• Preference assessments were conducted during response training and acquisition.

Findings:

• Both participants showed a clear preference for a specific communication method.
• Reinforcing the preferred method reduced problem behavior.
• Independent communication skills increased with preferred method reinforcement.

Implications:

• Assessing communication method preference can improve FCT effectiveness.
• This approach promotes client self-determination in intervention design.
• Future research should explore preference-based mand selection in FCT.