Spelling to communicate (S2C) is an increasingly popular albeit bogus method whose proponents claim unlocks hidden language and literacy skills in individuals with significant communication impairments. Originally a version of facilitated communication (FC) popular in the 1990s, S2C is again being often touted as and believed to be an augmentative and alternative communication approach, but no evidence exists to support this extraordinary claim.. Spelling to communicate has likely captured the attention of family members and various professionals because this variation of FC shapes prompt dependency from physical to gestural forms, thus giving the appearance of authentic and independent communication that is actually generated by the prompter. Like FC, S2C may lead to allegations of sexual and other abuse against those associated with the user, including family members, professionals, and peers. This webinar will overview differences and similarities between FC and S2C so stakeholders can readily recognize and resist these techniques. Attention also will be given to recent events that reflect and contribute to the growing popularity of spelling to communicate in schools and clinical settings, particularly social and popular media as well as prominent S2C users. Advice for responding to and resisting requests to allow or support spelling to communicate also will be shared.
- Objective 1: List two ways that spelling to communicate differs from evidence-based augmentative and alternative communication.
- Objective 2: Identify three risks associated with spelling to communicate.
- Objective 3: Identify three tactics to minimize the risks associated with proximity to spelling to communicate users.
About the Presenter
I work as an SLP in an ABA clinic and this topic comes up often from those we serve. This presentation provided excellent information, including ethical and legal considerations. I would highly recommend this course to my colleagues.
Respectful, thorough and timely. Very helpful even to a highly experienced BCBA/SLP like myself. My only bone of contention is seeing the epithet 'anti-vaxer' applied to one/some (?) of those who endorse these discredited methods. Firstly, their vaccine stance is irrelevant. Secondly, as more and more information comes to light about how the vaccines have damaged many and continue to do so, it will show you up as the misinformed party, not those you are discussing.
MUST WATCH! Excellent and critical presentation ALL professionals working with nonverbal learners should watch, it is also vital for families of children with autism / DD to watch. Thank you Dr Travers for speaking out!
Much needed presentation!! Thanks so much! Excellent!
Wonderful and full of information. I wish that some of the larger studies had been discussed but, there is only so much time I suppose.
I strongly urge any BCaBA or BCBA to take this course. It is such an informative and compassionate presentation outlining the history of FC and explaining how RPM and S2C are rebrands of the debunked FC. As a BCBA we "know" these things but I am personally not fluent on the history, which I've encountered piece meal. This lays it out succinctly in one presentation. It also validates that there is no wiggle room in our Ethics Code to entertain this non-evidence based approach. I'm recommending this CEU to everyone I know in the field.
This course was informative and has great knowledge that can be used to debunk theses non evidenced based practices, FC, S2C and RPM.
I am Tehmina Syed from Pakistan. This is very informative and knowledgeable.
Excellent course, so much needed
Course information
- Title: Recognizing and Responding to Spelling to Communicate
- Presenter: Jason Travers PhD, BCBA-D
- CEUs: 2.5 Learning - Ethics
- Duration: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Customer Rating: (97)