ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at key aspects of the clients’ lives prior to their experience with facilitated communication (FC). An understanding of what each of them brought to the table as FC clients is critically important because it provides a meaningful and relevant context within which to view the conduct of FC. It will also enable the reader to view FC holistically, that is, not as an isolated “splinter” skill but rather as part of the entire pattern of behaviors and events that shaped these clients’ lives. According to diagnostic reports in this client’s record, severe deficits were found in both receptive and expressive language behavior. In addition, his functioning in the domains of play and socialization were reportedly at a “sub-domain zero years” and a few months. Each of the clients was functioning in the range of mental retardation according to psychological testing, anecdotal record, and demonstrated skill development across several areas.
