Functional Communication Training (FCT)
at CST Academy

Replacing Frustration With Communication. One Skill at a Time.

At CST Academy, our ABA Therapy program includes Functional Communication Training (FCT) as a powerful, evidence-based method to help children express their wants and needs in healthy, productive ways. FCT is ideal for children who engage in challenging behaviors due to difficulty communicating—and it empowers them with functional skills that improve daily life at home, in school, and in the community.

Whether your child is nonverbal, minimally verbal, or struggles to express themselves clearly, FCT can serve as a life-changing tool to reduce frustration and build independence.

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Functional Communication Training (FCT) at CST Academy

What Is Functional Communication Training (FCT)?

Functional Communication Training is an ABA-based intervention that identifies the purpose of a challenging behavior and teaches a more appropriate, functional alternative. Instead of tantrums, aggression, or avoidance, children learn how to make requests, signal discomfort, or ask for help in ways that are understood and respected.

At CST Academy, our BCBAs and ABA therapists build individualized FCT programs tailored to each child’s unique needs and communication style—verbal or nonverbal. We may use vocal language, signs, pictures, gestures, or assistive communication devices (AAC) to help your child succeed.

Why Choose CST Academy for FCT?

At CST Academy, FCT is more than a behavior intervention—it’s a foundation for meaningful growth. We take a compassionate, child-centered approach that builds communication skills while preserving your child’s dignity and motivation. Our therapists work closely with families to generalize FCT skills across all settings, from home to school to the clinic.

By focusing on what your child is trying to communicate, we open the door to understanding, progress, and deeper connection.

The CST Academy Difference

Choosing the right approach to behavior and communication challenges means finding a team that sees beyond the behavior and listens for the message underneath. At CST Academy, our Functional Communication Training (FCT) empowers children to express their needs in positive, effective ways—reducing frustration and unlocking new opportunities for connection. Through individualized care, collaborative support, and a deep belief in every child’s potential, we help families replace chaos with clarity and build lasting communication skills that create brighter days ahead.

Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

Our experienced team includes credentialed experts who understand how to assess behavior and implement FCT interventions with accuracy and care.

Family-Centered Collaboration

We equip parents and caregivers with the tools to reinforce FCT strategies at home, helping to ensure long-term success.

Behavior Reduction Through Communication

FCT is designed to replace behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or tantrums with clear, appropriate communication—reducing stress for your child and your family.

Therapies That Work Together

FCT often complements speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other ABA strategies. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates daily to provide well-rounded, integrated care.

Helping Your Child Communicate With Confidence

At CST Academy, FCT gives children a way to express themselves in ways that are effective and empowering. Here are some of the key goals of our FCT program:

Requesting Help

Many challenging behaviors stem from a child’s inability to ask for assistance. Through FCT, we teach children how to appropriately request help—whether that’s reaching for a toy, opening a snack, or completing a task—giving them the tools to avoid frustration and remain engaged.

Making Choices

Learning to make choices empowers children to feel more in control of their environment. Our therapists help children use pictures, signs, or words to select preferred items or activities, which fosters independence and reduces behavior driven by indecision or overwhelm.

Expressing Needs and Wants

Whether it’s asking for a break, requesting a favorite toy, or saying they’re hungry, expressing basic needs is foundational to communication. FCT focuses on giving children simple, effective ways to express themselves that are easily understood by caregivers and peers.

Saying “No” Appropriately

Rather than acting out or withdrawing, children can be taught to respectfully decline or say “no” through words, gestures, or communication systems. This gives them a safe and appropriate outlet to express autonomy and reduces behaviors driven by avoidance or discomfort.

Gaining Attention

Children often seek attention in unproductive ways when they haven’t been taught how to appropriately initiate interaction. FCT helps children learn how to gain attention—like calling a name, tapping a shoulder, or using a communication card—in ways that are socially acceptable and effective.

Replacing Tantrums With Communication

Through FCT, we identify the underlying reasons for tantrums and teach children clear, functional alternatives. Over time, this replacement behavior becomes a reliable tool, helping the child express themselves without emotional outbursts and leading to a calmer, more confident experience at home, in therapy, and beyond.

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Getting started is easy. Our team is here to listen, guide, and create a care plan tailored to your child and your family.

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When to Consider Functional Communication Training (FCT)

Here are some signs that your child may benefit from FCT. Every child communicates in their own way, but when those attempts are misunderstood—or not yet developed—challenging behaviors can emerge. Teaching clear, functional ways to communicate can be life-changing for the whole family.

Frequent Tantrums Without Clear Triggers

If your child is experiencing repeated meltdowns or aggressive outbursts and you’re not sure why, it could be due to unmet communication needs. FCT helps identify what your child is trying to express and teaches appropriate ways to do so.

Difficulty Asking for Basic Needs

Whether it’s needing help, wanting a snack, or asking for a break, many children struggle to express their needs clearly. FCT empowers them with simple, understandable methods—spoken words, visuals, or gestures—to get their needs met calmly and successfully.

Challenging Behavior to Gain Attention

Some children resort to hitting, screaming, or other disruptive behaviors to get someone’s attention. FCT helps them learn more effective and socially appropriate ways to initiate interaction with caregivers and peers.

Struggles With Transitions or Denied Requests

If your child becomes upset during transitions or when told “no,” it may be because they haven’t learned other ways to respond. FCT offers strategies for helping children express disappointment, negotiate, or request alternatives appropriately.

Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Communication

For children who aren’t yet speaking, or who use very few words, FCT can introduce alternative communication tools—like sign language or AAC devices—to help them express themselves clearly and reduce frustration.

Repeating the Same Behaviors Without Progress

If your child consistently uses the same behaviors to communicate, such as crying or hand-pulling, but those behaviors aren’t working well, it’s time for a new approach. FCT provides targeted support to replace ineffective habits with purposeful, functional skills.

A Place Where Communication Becomes Connection

At CST Academy, we believe that every child has something to say—and that finding the right way to express it can unlock confidence, joy, and stronger relationships. Through Functional Communication Training (FCT), we help children replace challenging behaviors with meaningful communication that reflects their needs, feelings, and unique personality.

We create an encouraging environment where children feel safe to try new skills, make mistakes, and grow. Whether your child is learning to request a toy, ask for help, or simply say “no” in a healthy way, we treat every breakthrough as a celebration. Our approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and built on the belief that when children are understood, their whole world opens up.

Families Share Their Experience with FCT at CST Academy

We started FCT at CST Academy after months of daily meltdowns. The therapists took the time to truly understand our son and helped him learn how to ask for what he needs. He’s calmer, more expressive, and so much happier—and so are we.

– Olivia T.

CST Academy helped our daughter find her voice—literally. Before starting Functional Communication Training, she would scream or cry when she was frustrated. Now she’s using words and gestures, and we’re finally able to understand what she’s trying to say.

– Marcus D.

The progress we’ve seen through FCT has been life-changing. Our child used to act out constantly, and we didn’t know how to help. CST Academy not only gave him a way to communicate but gave us the confidence to support him at home too.

– Jenna R.

1000+

5-Star Google Reviews

Functional Communication Training (FCT) at CST Academy ABA Therapy

Empowering Children with the Tools to Express Themselves—Clearly, Calmly, and Effectively

At CST Academy, our ABA Therapy program incorporates Functional Communication Training (FCT) to help children replace challenging behaviors with meaningful, effective communication. Whether your child is nonverbal, has limited expressive language, or experiences frequent frustration, our expert therapists use evidence-based strategies to teach appropriate communication methods tailored to their needs. FCT at CST Academy supports long-term growth by promoting independence, reducing disruptive behaviors, and helping children feel heard—at home, in school, and beyond.