Maintenance of Intervention Outcomes in Functional Communication Training: A Quantitative Synthesis of Research

Traci E. Ruppert, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Renee K. Van Norman, University of Oregon
Matthew Tincani, Temple University
Deborah R. Carter, Boise State University
Shannon Crozier, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Kim McArthur, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the literature with respect to the degree to which response maintenance was evaluated as a component of functional communication training (FCT) intervention, including the extent to which procedures were implemented to promote response maintenance. Twenty-six single subject studies on FCT were quantitatively evaluated for (a) inclusion of data on response maintenance, (b) evidence of procedures to promote maintenance, (c) timing and duration of maintenance data reported, and (d) the degree of behavior change maintained. Results indicated that seven studies (26.9%) met Carr et al.’s (1999) definition for reporting maintenance. Only two of the seven studies reporting maintenance data also reported procedures for promoting maintenance. The mean number of sessions for which maintenance data were reported was 4.2 over a mean number of 21.9 weeks. Overall mean percentage of nonoverlapping data points across participants, settings, and behaviors was MPND 86% (range, 18% – 100%), suggesting that, when measured, levels of responding established with FCT tended to maintain after partial or full withdrawal of intervention. Results highlight the need for future FCT researchers to evaluate response maintenance and to explore specific strategies to promote response maintenance when FCT is the intervention of choice.