Facilitated Communication: The Contribution of Physical, Emotional and Mental Support

Some researchers and professionals accept as self-evident that any typed communication via FC/RPM demonstrating typical or above normal linguistic competence cannot possibly be the output of a nonspeaking autistic with low language development.

“Thus, some researchers and professionals accept as self-evident that, given the low level of language development of a nonspeaking autistic, any typed communication via FC/RPM demonstrating typical or above normal linguistic competence, cannot possibly be that individual’s output (Jacobson et al., 1995; Konstantareas and Gravelle, 1998; Simmons et al., 2021).”

There exists a prevalent presumption of incompetence affecting so-called "low functioning" or "severe" autistic individuals with CCN, accompanied by a presumed lack of ability, desire, and capacity to communicate.

“It is an unfortunate reality that there exists a prevalent presumption of incompetence affecting so called “low functioning” or “severe” autistic individuals with CCN, that is accompanied by a presumed lack of ability, desire, and capacity to communicate.”

A series of experimental evaluations of FC in the 1990s concluded that FC was at best worthless, and at worst damaging.

“A series of experimental evaluations of FC in the 1990s concluded that FC was at best worthless, and at worst damaging (see for example Eberlin et al., 1993; Konstantareas and Gravelle, 1998; Montee et al., 1995; Wheeler et al., 1993).”