These videos honor the first seven years of my research project. The research question asks:

Is the technique of Facilitated Communication valid in Art Therapy?

The answer is yes but it cannot stand alone. Over the years, it has become necessary to add the Movement & Form Drawing component.

Still there remained the problem of transferring this supportive technique to other communication partnerships. In my speeches, I always address the issues inherent to building healthy relationships; but, in my office I found talking was not enough. Recently, I added a Parenting Studio component to address the issue of developing relationships. Time will tell if this is the solution to the problem.

In May 2000, I presented a workshop on "FC Drawing and Handwriting" at Syracuse University. Those who attended had established relationships with their FC Typing partners. Everyone of these people left the workshop having successfully used FC Drawing and Handwriting techniques.. These videos should offer continuing support to help them continue with these new skills.

It is my hope that these videos will reach a larger audience than I have been able to with speaking engagements. With more people using FC Drawing, Handwriting & Painting, a community should develop that will allow our nonspeaking friends other voices for expressive communication. I am seeking to build a chain of communication & feedback that will further enhance and develop this research project. I can be reached at: redthumb@flash . net

"An assistive communication technique in which the primary message receiver makes physical contact with the sender to help them overcome motor or emotional problems, e.g., poor muscle tone, lack of confidence. It differs from co-active movement in that the initiation of movement and intention to complete an action are solely the responsibility of the message sender. Facilitation is mainly used when training people to use communication aids."                                                     Rosemary Crossley, 1997.

Biklen, Douglas & Donald N. Cardinal., 1997. Contested Words, Contested Science: unraveling the facilitated communication controversy. New York: Teachers College Press.

Crossley, Rosemary, 1997. Speechless: facilitating communication for people without voices. New York: Dutton.

I adapted this technique during my course of studies at an anthroposophical college based the work of Philosopher Rudolf Steiner.  Essentially, one moves in space to specific forms like circles, squares, etc. and then draws these on paper or a chalkboard. The intent is to improve skills for writing, reading and arithmetic. I use gross motor movements to help my clients cross their anatomical planes and then draw them on paper. We, also, move to script letters, songs and poetry.

Audrey E. McAllen. 1992. The Extra Lesson: exercises in movement, drawing and painting to help children with difficulties in writing, reading and arithmetic. England: The Robinswood Press.