Preparing Staff to Implement Functional Communication Training: A Systematic Review of the Behavioral Skills Training Literature

Abstract

Functional communication training (FCT) is a commonly employed intervention for children who exhibit challenging behavior. Despite its effectiveness, educators, paraprofessionals, and other staff members report difficulties in implementing FCT. Decades of research suggest that behavioral skills training (BST) is an effective approach to training staff across various settings, which may also enhance their ability to use FCT effectively. The present study reviewed experimental research published prior to 2023 involving the use of BST to train staff to use FCT. Studies (n = 16) predominantly employed single-case designs involving author-created measures. Teachers and paraprofessionals represented the majority of staff who received training, and the featured clients were generally diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Few studies met contemporary research quality standards, however. The resource intensiveness of the BST and reliance on idiosyncratic measures represent potential barriers to dissemination.