Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Facilitated communication: a failure to replicate the phenomenon

M Eberlin1, G McConnachie, S Ibel

  • 1Developmental Disabilities Institute, Smithtown, New York 11787.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Facilitated communication (FC) did not improve literacy or communication skills in individuals with autism. Studies found no unexpected abilities, and facilitators sometimes influenced client output.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Investigation on the origin of hot electrons in laser plasma interaction at shock ignition intensities.

Scientific reports·2023
Same author

Proton stopping measurements at low velocity in warm dense carbon.

Nature communications·2022
Same author

Critical investigation of the pre-surgical anatomic factors that influence the aesthetic result in post-extractive implantology and immediate prosthetic.

Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents·2021
Same author

A quasi-monoenergetic short time duration compact proton source for probing high energy density states of matter.

Scientific reports·2021
Same author

Integrated quantitative PIXE analysis and EDX spectroscopy using a laser-driven particle source.

Science advances·2021
Same author

Author Correction: Quantitative phase contrast imaging of a shock-wave with a laser-plasma based X-ray source.

Scientific reports·2020

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Communication sciences

Background:

  • Facilitated communication (FC) is a controversial method proposed to enhance communication in individuals with autism.
  • Biklen's and Crossley's hypothesis suggests FC can unlock unexpected literacy and communication abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of facilitated communication (FC) in improving literacy and communication abilities in individuals with autism.
  • To test the hypothesis that FC leads to unexpected literacy and improved communication.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 21 subjects with autism.
  • Repeated measures of literacy and communication were conducted: baseline, pretest with FC, and posttest with FC after 20 hours of training.
  • Facilitators were screened from stimuli during testing to ensure objective assessment.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • No client demonstrated unexpected literacy or improved communication abilities when tested under screened conditions.
  • Some facilitators were observed to influence the communicative output of their clients.
  • Despite training, FC did not yield measurable improvements in the participants' abilities.

Conclusions:

  • The study did not support the hypothesis that facilitated communication (FC) enhances literacy or communication in individuals with autism.
  • Evidence suggests potential facilitator influence, rather than genuine client improvement, may account for perceived gains.
  • Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of FC and its impact on individuals with autism.