Science and Skepticism
The allure of FC is understandable. Who among us wouldn’t want an easy solution to a complex problem? But, with such high stakes as FC has, it is important to set aside emotion and figure out what exactly is going on when a facilitator reaches for the hand of an individual with disabilities or holds a letter board in the air. The truth is, FC does not and cannot work the way it is being promoted. Even the most well-meaning facilitator influences and controls the messages and builds communication dependence, not independence, in their client or love one. It is time to learn ways to counter misinformation and bring about a change by challenging proponents to produce reliable evidence of their claims or stop the practice altogether.
Countering Misinformation
Mostert, M. (2015, January 7). An Activist Approach to Debunking FC. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 39 (3), 203-210. DOI: 10.1177/1540796914556779
This article discusses several factors leading to the resurgence of FC and offers series of activist approaches to countering the acceptance of FC as a legitimate educational practice.
Paynter J, Luskin-Saxby S, Keen D, Fordyce K, Frost G, Imms C, et al. (2019) Evaluation of a template for countering misinformation—Real-world Autism treatment myth debunking. PLoS ONE 14(1). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210746
This study sought to test debunking strategies in a real-world setting, targeting misinformation about autism interventions. Results demonstrated benefits of optimized debunking immediately after the training, but the effect was not sustained at follow-up. The authors recommended further research into strategies for sustained change.
Science and Skepticism
Alferink, Larry A. (2007, Fall/Winter). Educational Practices, Superstitious Behavior and Mythed Opportunities. Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 5 (2), 21-30.
This article discusses a number of practices, including FC, that are not supported by evidence. Some of these practices may cause little harm but do little good, while others have been shown to be harmful. The authors suggest that replacing practices that are not supported by evidence by those that are will likely improve education outcomes.
Gerbic, S. (2017, April 3). Facilitated Communication on Wikipedia gets an update. Skeptical Inquirer.
This article discusses how the activist group, Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW), updated the FC page by adding reliable, evidence-based content.
Normand, M.P. (2008, Winter). Science, Skepticism, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1 (2), 42-49. DOI: 10.1007/BF03391727
This article is targeted toward behavior analysts in practice and offers an overview of science and skepticism and discusses the relationship of skepticism to behavior analysis.
Senapathy, Kavin. (2018, July 17). On Unsubstantiated Yet Prevalent Therapeutic Interventions for Autism [Part II]. Skeptical Inquirer.
This article discusses the classification and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and some of the unsubstantiated yet prevalent therapeutic interventions that leave individuals with disabilities and their parents vulnerable to potentially harmful treatments.