When Behavior is Communication
If you’re a special education teacher or parent, you’ve probably experienced this:
Your student throws materials, screams, or refuses to move, and you’re left wondering… why is this happening?
Here’s the truth: All behavior serves a purpose. It might not look like communication, but it is.
That’s where Functional Communication Training (FCT) comes in. FCT is a research-based strategy that helps students replace challenging behavior with appropriate communication—in a way that still meets their needs.
🔍 Step 1: Know the Function of the Behavior
Before we can replace a behavior, we have to understand why it’s happening. Behavior analysts call this the function.
There are 4 common functions of behavior:
To figure out the function, ask:
What happens right before the behavior? (Trigger)
What happens right after the behavior? (Consequence)
Does the student get out of something? Get attention? Get an item?
Use simple data or ABC charts (Antecedent – Behavior – Consequence) to help track patterns.
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💬 Step 2: Teach a Replacement Communication That Matches the Function
Here’s the most important part of FCT:
👉🏻The communication you teach must match the function of the behavior
Examples:
- If the student throws materials to escape work → Teach them to ask for a break
- If they scream to get your attention → Teach them to tap your shoulder or use a card that says “help”
- If they run away to access the sensory room → Teach them to request the sensory room
💡 It doesn’t have to be verbal! The replacement behavior could be:
- A picture card
- A single word
A sign or gesture
🧠 Meet Them Where They Are: Communication Must Be Developmentally Appropriate
Let’s be clear:
If your student communicates using one-word phrases, we’re not going to expect them to say,
“Excuse me, I’d prefer to do this later. Can I have a break?”
When they’re upset, they may only be able to say or gesture one word—and that’s okay!
You can model longer phrases later (e.g., “You said ‘break’—I like how you asked for a break!”), but don’t require it in the moment. The goal is functional, not fancy.
✅ Try FCT in Your Classroom TODAY: Quick Tips for Success
Here are a few ways you can start using Functional Communication Training right now:
🔹 1. Choose 1 behavior to target
Pick a behavior that happens frequently and has a clear function (e.g., throwing during math to escape).
🔹 2. Figure out the “why”
Use simple ABC data for a few days. What happens before/after the behavior?
🔹 3. Pick a replacement that’s easier than the behavior
If the student throws to escape, teach “Break” with a visual card. If they scream for attention, teach a wave or “Hey!” button.
🔹 4. Teach it proactively
Practice the new communication during calm moments, not just when the behavior happens.
🔹 5. Reinforce immediately and consistently
When the student uses the new communication—even imperfectly—honor it! They asked for a break? Give it. They used their AAC? Respond quickly.
🔹 6. Fade prompts and build independence
Use visual or gestural promptsinitially, then gradually fade them over time as the student learns to communicate independently.
💡 Final Thoughts
Functional Communication Training doesn’t require a BCBA or a full team of experts to get started.
With some observation, the right replacement behavior, and consistent reinforcement, you can turn frustration into communication—and create a calmer, more connected classroom.
Remember to sign up for my FREE resource library to get an ABC data sheet and more!