FCT with young children with ID in the UK: A feasibility project V.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Conducting Functional Communication Training (FCT) with young children with intellectual disabilities in NHS settings in the UK: A feasibility project.
IRAS ID
160034
Contact name
Serena Tomlinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Children with intellectual / developmental disabilities (IDD) often display challenging behaviours such as self-injury, property destruction, or aggression (Emerson & Einfeld, 2010). These behaviours can have detrimental impacts on the child themselves and their family carers (e.g., Allen, Hawkins, & Cooper, 2006; Baker et al., 2003; Hastings, 2002), and are known to persist into adulthood once they have developed (Murphy et al., 2005). Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an intervention based on applied behavioural analysis and Positive Behaviour Support which is well evidence based (particularly in America) for supporting individuals who display challenging behaviour (e.g., Kurtz et al., 2011; Rooker et al., 2013). FCT involves identifying why the person displays challenging behaviour and teaching them an alternative communication response. In this way, FCT can reduce challenging behaviour whilst simultaneously supporting individuals to develop communication skills. Despite the wealth of evidence for FCT, there are no published examples of the technique being used with children who have IDD in the UK.\n \nThe current project aims to assess the feasibility of conducting FCT in the UK with a small sample of young children (aged under 7) in an NHS setting. Two delivery formats will be assessed in order to demonstrate the feasibility of conducting FCT via different delivery methods within an NHS context. Participants will be four children aged under 7 who have an identified IDD and display either self-injury, property destruction, or aggression at home. In addition, one family carer per child will be coached to implement the intervention, either following researcher intervention, or from the beginning. Data will be collected on challenging behaviour, communication responses, family carer confidence in managing behaviour, fidelity of intervention implementation, family quality of life, and acceptability of the intervention.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2024
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion