Facilitated communication is a specialized communication process used with non-verbal individuals who have a motor disability. It can help convey thoughts and ideas but has drawbacks, including the need for direct contact and criticism of potential inappropriate influence. It may be worth trying for those who cannot communicate in other ways.
Facilitated communication is an alternative communication process in which a facilitator is used to support the afflicted individual’s hands or arms so that they can type or point at objects to communicate messages. The process is primarily a way to facilitate autism communication or other types of disability communication. It is typically not used as a deaf form of communication, unless there are other disabilities experienced by the individual.
Facilitated communication practice is a special communication process that is used with non-verbal individuals. However, not being able to verbalize messages is just one qualification that can make facilitated communication appropriate. The individual with whom the technique is being used should also have some form of motor disability, but still have some ability to use at least one hand and one arm. Thus, facilitated communication is actually a very specialized form of therapeutic communication that is only appropriate in a select few situations.
The benefits of facilitated communication for the individual with a disability include the ability to convey thoughts and ideas in an easier way, which is likely to help them become less frustrated with the process. Those who are able to do this may find they can transition to other, less intense forms of assisted communication. Another advantage of this form of communication is the ability for anyone to easily learn the technique.
The disadvantages of facilitated communication are that any attempt at communication must include direct contact with the individual. This can be impractical in some situations, embarrassing in others. While it may work in most cases, there may be times when it may not work. Of course, this is true for any form of communication, including sign language and normal auditory communication, but it may be the case more frequently with facilitated communication.
The facilitated communication process has received some criticism, especially from groups who believe that the facilitator may cause a level of inappropriate influence over an individual’s choices. One of those groups that do not recommend the use of this technique is the American Psychological Association, which in a 1994 position statement stated “a controversial and unproven communication procedure without any scientifically proven support for its effectiveness.” However, other groups, such as the National Autism Committee, suggest that, when done correctly, it can be a good tool.
Scientifically proven or not, parents or other family members who find it impossible to communicate with their children or others in any other way may find the technique worth a try. In these cases, while there is nothing inherently unethical about the technique, those attempting to use it should understand the concerns surrounding it. In some cases, it might work well, but in others, it might not do much for an individual.
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