What does functional communication training aim to achieve?

Functional communication training is designed to teach individuals alternative and more appropriate communication methods that can replace challenging or problematic behaviors. The goal is to help the person express their needs and wants effectively, which may reduce instances of problem behavior that typically arise from frustration or an inability to communicate.

By focusing on teaching replacement behaviors for problem behaviors, functional communication training emphasizes that individuals will be better able to communicate their desires or emotions without resorting to disruptive actions. For instance, if a child is engaging in tantrums to request a toy, functional communication training would teach them to use words, signs, or picture exchange systems to make their request. This proactive approach not only addresses the specific behavior but also promotes overall communication skills and emotional regulation.

The other options, such as enhancing academic performance through communication, reducing the frequency of all behaviors, or encouraging physical communication skills, do not accurately encapsulate the primary focus of functional communication training, which is centered specifically around replacing problem behaviors with effective communication strategies.