Parent-Implemented Functional Communication Training to Reduce Challenging Behavior in Nonvocal Children With ASD and IDD From Diverse Families: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Parent-implemented interventions have become increasingly common in the field, especially with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). However, there is still a need to evaluate literature on parent-implemented interventions with nonvocal children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families who display challenging behavior. This systematic review synthesized 10 peer-reviewed studies and dissertations focusing on parent-implemented functional communication training (FCT) with nonvocal children with ASD and IDD who display challenging behavior and come from CLD families. Across all studies, child participants’ challenging behavior decreased as a result of parent-implemented FCT. All studies reported high procedural fidelity and social validity, and half incorporated cultural adaptations. Results suggest future researchers should prioritize sustainable parent coaching and culturally responsive practices while focusing on long-term maintenance and generalization.