Replacement Skills for Challenging Behavior: FCT & Flexibility

Challenging behaviors can be one of the most difficult hurdles to address for ABA professionals and the families they support. At its core, these behaviors are often a form of communication – sometimes the only way a person knows how to respond to a need, frustration, or challenge.

The good news is that with the right replacement skills, we can empower individuals to express themselves more effectively while reducing these behaviors in a compassionate and meaningful way. Functional Communication Training (FCT) and teaching flexibility are two key strategies in achieving this goal.

What Is Functional Communication Training (FCT)?

Functional Communication Training is a well-established behavioral intervention designed to replace inappropriate or harmful behaviors with more appropriate and socially acceptable ones.

It focuses on identifying the function of the challenging behavior – whether it’s to gain attention, escape a task, access a tangible reward, or meet another specific need – and teaching the individual an alternative way to communicate that serves the same purpose.

For example, a child who throws objects to protest non-preferred activities might be taught to use a simple verbal request like, “I need a break,” or to hand over a break card instead. FCT acknowledges the function behind the behavior and redirects it toward a form that is easier for others to understand and respond to.

5 Steps to Implementing FCT as a Replacement Behavior

1. Conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Start by identifying the “why” behind the challenging behavior. What is the individual trying to communicate? Collect data, observe patterns, and analyze the context of the behavior.

2. Choose a Replacement Behavior

The replacement communication should be as easy (or easier) for the individual to execute as the challenging behavior. If throwing objects gets immediate results, then “I need help” or a button that produces a similar message must be equally effective and quick.

3. Model and Practice the Replacement Behavior

Depending on the individual’s needs, you may use verbal prompts, visuals, gestures, or assistive devices to teach the replacement behavior. For example, if a student wants a specific toy, teaching them to point or use a picture card can be an effective replacement skill.

4. Reinforce the New Skill

Praise and immediate reinforcement are key at the beginning. When the individual uses the replacement behavior, ensure the environment consistently meets their intended need. If requesting a break gets the desired result every time, the likelihood of using the skill increases significantly.

5. Fade Reinforcement Over Time

Once the replacement skill is well-established, consider gradually fading prompts and lessening immediate reinforcement so the individual maintains the skill in more natural contexts.

FCT is particularly versatile because it can work across differing ages and cognitive levels. Whether it’s teaching a non-verbal child to use a communication device or showing a teen how to advocate assertively, FCT meets individuals where they’re at.

How to Cultivate Flexibility as a Replacement Behavior

Flexibility is perhaps the unsung hero when it comes to teaching replacement skills. Many challenging behaviors stem from rigidity – resistance to change, frustration over unmet expectations, or difficulty shifting focus.

By teaching learners to adapt, tolerate delays, and approach change with more openness, we help reduce behaviors tied to inflexibility.

Why Focus on Flexibility?

Imagine a student who struggles when their favorite activity isn’t immediately available. This might lead to tantrums, refusals, or withdrawal. With greater flexibility, that same student can learn to respond differently – perhaps choosing an alternative activity or waiting their turn with minimal distress.

Flexibility not only supports smoother daily transitions but also builds resilience and prepares individuals for challenges in real-world settings.

5 Strategies for Teaching Flexibility

1. Start Small

Large changes can feel overwhelming, so introduce shifts in small, manageable steps. For example, if a student is only willing to engage with a particular toy, you might begin by slightly altering the way they use it (e.g., stacking blocks in a different order or sharing the toy briefly with a peer).

2. Create Opportunities for Choice

Offering choices can ease rigidity. Instead of forcing a specific task sequence, present two or three options, all of which align with the desired goal. This empowers the individual while still meeting the demands of the environment.

3. Use Visuals and Social Stories

Visual aids and stories can help individuals anticipate and process changes, making those transitions feel less daunting. A social story about waiting for a favorite activity, paired with visuals that outline steps for waiting successfully, can be a great support.

4. Reinforce Flexible Thinking

Give ample praise or rewards when an individual demonstrates flexibility. Phrases like, “Wow, you were so patient when waiting!” or “What a great problem-solver you were when you tried something new!” can motivate similar behaviors in the future.

5. Practice Tolerating Delays

Delays or denied access can be frustrating triggers. Teach toleration in gradual stages using a reinforcement system. Start with short, manageable waiting periods paired with a timer or countdown. Gradually increase the delay as tolerance builds, ensuring to always reinforce after the waiting period is successfully completed.

Combining FCT & Flexibility

While incredibly effective, FCT and flexibility training often shine brightest when paired together.

Imagine a scenario where an individual experiences difficulty with both changes in routine and their means of communication. Teaching them to request, “Can I have five more minutes, please?” addresses communication and flexibility at once, providing tools to safely and calmly manage transitions.

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Teaching replacement skills like functional communication and flexibility isn’t just about reducing challenging behaviors; it’s about giving individuals tools for independence, empowerment, and meaningful connection. It’s about creating a world where their voices – verbal or not – are heard clearly and respected.

For ABA professionals, these strategies are tools of transformation. By combining compassionate teaching with practical application, we reduce barriers and build stepping stones. Every skill taught adds to an individual’s ability to thrive in varied environments, making lives brighter for the people we serve and their families.