Functional communication training is most relevant for which student group?

• A. Students who do not require communication supports.
• B. Nonverbal students or those with severe communication challenges.
• C. Students with strong verbal abilities.
• D. Students who only need math intervention.

Answer: (B)

Functional communication training centers on teaching students to express their needs in a clear, functional way. It’s especially useful for those who have limited or no spoken language and struggle to communicate, because they may rely on challenging behaviors to get their wants met. By identifying what a student is trying to obtain and teaching a simple, reliable way to communicate that need—such as a sign, picture exchange, or a small device that emits a request—the behavior that previously served as a communication method decreases. In this way, communication becomes efficient and effective, reducing frustration for the student.

So, the group most in need of this approach is nonverbal students or those with severe communication challenges. For students who already have strong verbal abilities or who primarily need support in other areas like math, functional communication training wouldn’t be the primary intervention.