Attention: Myth follows!” Facilitated communication, parent and professional attitudes towards evidence-based practice, and the power of misinformation
Published 20th January 2016
Trembath, D., Paynter, J., Keen, D., & Ecker, U.
ABSTRACT: Facilitated Communication (FC) is a non-evidence-based intervention with documented dangers that continues to be used with some children with autism spectrum disorders. In this response to Lilienfeld, Marshall, Todd, and Shane, we consider how the findings of our own research involving parents and professionals may contribute to the development of strategies aimed at countering FC and other unsupported practices. We also consider the ways in which misinformation may be contributing to the persistence of FC. We affirm Lilienfeld et al.’s recommendation that countering FC requires a comprehensive and concerted effort, which must build awareness, capacity, and resilience within parents, professionals, and organizations to adopt only evidence-based interventions.
