Lecture Notes: Frontline - Prisoners of Silence

Introduction

• Topic: Facilitated Communication (FC) as a revolutionary communication method for autistic individuals.
• Claims: FC allows non-verbal autistic individuals to express thoughts and feelings.
• Controversy: Questions about the legitimacy of FC and accusations of facilitator influence.

Background on Autism

• Autism affects approximately 400,000 Americans.
• Symptoms include lack of speech and social avoidance.
• Historically considered a mental retardation in most cases.
• FC challenges previous assumptions: suggests normal intelligence in autistic individuals.

Discovery and Promotion of FC

• Douglas Bicklin from Syracuse University advocates FC as a major breakthrough.
  • Theory: Autistic people have intelligent minds trapped in non-functioning bodies.
  • Method: Facilitators help autistic individuals type by supporting their hands.
• Rapid spread of FC across the U.S., influencing education and social services.

Rise in Adoption

• FC embraced by schools and families, changing perceptions of autistic abilities.
• Success stories reported in media; autistic individuals seen as intelligent and capable.
• Jeff Powell and Ben Lair are highlighted as examples of FC success.

Criticism and Skepticism

• Dr. Howard Shane questions the authenticity of FC outputs.
  • Concerns about facilitators influencing messages.
• Testing revealed that facilitators might unconsciously guide the typing.
• Studies show many autistic individuals typed responses aligned with what facilitators saw, not what the individuals saw.

Controversy and Legal Implications

• FC resulted in accusations of abuse based on unverified messages.
• Cases like the Girardi and Wheaton families highlight the potential harm and legal consequences.
• Courts faced challenges in determining the true authorship of FC messages.

Scientific Studies and Findings

• Multiple studies conducted found no evidence of independent communication through FC.
• FC often failed double-blind tests, suggesting facilitator influence.
• Critics argue that FC is akin to a Ouija board, reflecting unconscious facilitator input.

Emotional and Social Impact

• FC gave hope to many families, but also led to heartbreak and legal issues.
• Facilitators and families emotionally invested in FC's success.
• Bicklin and supporters maintain belief in FC despite evidence against it.

Conclusion

• FC remains controversial due to lack of scientific validation.
• Calls for further scientific investigation to ensure ethical use.
• Debate continues on respecting autistic individuals for who they truly are.
• Facilitated Communication Institute at Syracuse remains committed to promoting FC.