“Attention: Myth Follows!” Facilitated Communication, Parent and Professional Attitudes towards Evidence-based Practice, and the Power of Misinformation

Abstract

Facilitated Communication (FC) is a non-evidence-based intervention with documented dangers that continues to be used with some children with autism spectrum disorders. In this response to Lilienfeld, Marshall, Todd, and Shane, we consider how the findings of our own research involving parents and professionals may contribute to the development of strategies aimed at countering FC and other unsupported practices. We also consider the ways in which misinformation may be contributing to the persistence of FC. We affirm Lilienfeld et al.’s recommendation that countering FC requires a comprehensive and concerted effort, which must build awareness, capacity, and resilience within parents, professionals, and organizations to adopt only evidence-based interventions.

Keywords:

• Facilitated communication
• Parent training
• Misinformation
• Evidence-based practice

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

David Trembath is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council [grant number 1071811].