Sample interview questions: Can you describe your experience with using functional communication training to replace problem behaviors with appropriate communication skills?
Sample answer:
Throughout my professional practice as a Behavior Analyst, I have successfully implemented Functional Communication Training (FCT) to effectively replace problem behaviors with appropriate communication skills in various client populations. Here are some notable experiences:
Case 1:
Emily, an 8-year-old girl with autism, exhibited frequent tantrums and aggression when she was unable to communicate her needs or wants. Through FCT, we identified that her tantrums were a functional form of communication used to obtain attention or access to preferred activities. We taught Emily how to use a communication board to request attention (“I need help”) and request preferred items (“I want a toy”). As a result, her tantrums significantly decreased, and she developed appropriate communication skills to express her needs effectively.
Case 2:
David, a 16-year-old adolescent with Down syndrome, struggled with elopement and self-injury behaviors. Functional analysis revealed that these behaviors were motivated by anxiety and frustration with environmental demands. We implemented FCT, teaching David how to communicate his feelings of anxiety (“I’m feeling overwhelmed”) and how to request assistance (“I need a break”). By providing him with an alternative means of expressing his distress, his elopement and self-injury behaviors decreased, and he developed coping mechanisms to manage his emotions.
Case 3:
Within a classroom … Read full answer