Date of Award

4-4-2013

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Psychology

Committee Member

Donna Selman

Abstract

Facilitated communication (FC) is an alleged breakthrough technique which allows individuals, previously thought to be severely mentally and developmentally challenged, to achieve a level of communication formerly thought to be impossible. Originally developed to assist individuals with physical disabilities and limitations, such as cerebral palsy, this technique has quickly been converted to one that aims to assist individuals with cognitive deficits such as autism toward achieving effective communication. This article explores the origins of facilitated communication, the ongoing debate in the scientific community regarding the reliability and validity of the technique, as well as facilitated communication's rapid integration with the criminal justice system. Additionally, this report will clearly defend the position that facilitated communication has no place in either the realm of science or the court room and will address the potential implications of its continued acceptance in the legal system.

Comments

This Senior Thesis was submitted to the Eastern Michigan University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with honors in Psychology and Criminology.

Posted: April 9, 2013

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