The source of messages produced during facilitated communication with a boy with autism and severe mental...

Assessed the source of messages produced through facilitated communication with a youth with autism and severe mental retardation using message-passing and picture-naming procedures. Results indicated that the facilitator was the source of the communications produced during the assessment; correct responding occurred only when the facilitator had knowledge of the correct answer. These findings are consistent with the results of other research demonstrating cuing, influence, or control of facilitated communications by the individuals providing assistance (facilitators). Implications for ethical practices by professionals in the context of facilitated communications are briefly discussed.