ABSTRACT
Facilitators’ disparagement of what they characterize as “interfering” verbal and nonverbal behaviors during typing removes an important safeguard by not allowing clients the right to use such behavior to react either to the facilitated messages or to the interactive situation. Perhaps most significant, however, was their impressive knowledge of facilitated communication (FC) in contrast to their meager knowledge, and in some cases inaccurate views, of autism. Observation of the process of FC was particularly illuminating with respect to the dimension of relationship. Facilitators are all too willing to disregard contradictory information and to resolve all issues of discordance in favor of FC, setting in motion a pattern of disconnection that permeates their judgments. At the risk of oversimplification, belief in client’s competence may be the cornerstone of the FC culture and a prime mover in the advancement of the cause. Armed with such a belief, facilitators expect success.
