ABSTRACT

The May 1995 issue of Exceptional Parent was devoted to the topic of communication. Karen Levine and Robert Wharton, in an informative and thought-provoking article on the subject of facilitated communication, raised several critical issues related to the use and consequences of the controversial technique. The American Association on Mental Retardation strongly encourages the use and further development of valid augmentative and alternative communication techniques and approaches. Specific activities contribute immediate threats to the individual civil and human rights of the person with autism or severe mental retardation. In stark contrast to the preceding cautionary statements that contain unequivocal language regarding the perils of facilitated communication, The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps statement contains language noncommittal enough to qualify under the definition of a hedge: “to avoid commitment, especially by qualifying or evasive statements”.