Comparison of Caregivers’ and Children’s Preference for Mand Topography During Functional Communication Training

Functional communication training (FCT; Carr & Durand, 1985) is frequently utilized as a treatment for socially maintained problem behavior (Tiger et al., 2008). Although FCT is a viable treatment option for the reduction of problem behavior, researchers have identified several variables related to the selection of the functional communication response (FCR) topography that may influence treatment outcomes, including individual and caregiver preference. However, there may be times in which the target individual and caregiver preference do not match. Given this, there is a need for procedures to identify and compare both child and caregiver preferences. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify a preferred FCR topography via mand topography assessment and compare results of the mand topography assessment with a formal assessment of caregiver preference. We found that both child and caregiver participants demonstrated a preference for at least one FCR topography. Although we identified a preference for both the child and caregiver participants, child and caregiver preference did not match, except for a partial match for one caregiver-child dyad. Clinical implications and recommendations for navigating next steps when client and caregiver preferences do not align are discussed.