For many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication is one of the most significant daily challenges. Some children struggle to express basic needs like hunger, pain, or discomfort. Others may use challenging behaviors — tantrums, self-injury, or aggression — because they have not yet found a reliable way to communicate. ABA therapy for functional communication is one of the most well-researched and effective interventions available to address this.
At Sunny Skies ABA, we provide personalized, in-home ABA therapy across North Carolina to help children develop the communication skills they need to thrive. This guide explains how functional communication training works within ABA, what it looks like in practice, and how families in NC can access these services.
Functional communication refers to the ability to convey needs, wants, emotions, and information in a way that is understood by others and serves a meaningful purpose in daily life. This is different from simply producing words or sounds — it is about using language (in any form) effectively to interact with the world.
Children with autism may have difficulty with functional communication for a variety of reasons, including:
Limited verbal language or no spoken words at all
Difficulty initiating communication even when they have some words
Challenges understanding social rules around conversation
Relying on challenging behaviors to get needs met when language is not available
When a child cannot communicate effectively, frustration builds and that frustration often comes out as problem behavior. ABA therapy directly addresses this by teaching children a better way to communicate.
Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a specific ABA-based intervention developed to replace challenging behaviors with appropriate communication. It is grounded in the principle that most problematic behaviors serve a communicative function — the child is trying to get something (attention, an item, a break) or avoid something (a task, a sensory experience).
FCT works by first identifying what the behavior is communicating through a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). Once the function is clear, the therapist teaches the child a new, more appropriate way to communicate that same message.
For example, if a child throws objects to avoid a difficult task, the FCT approach would teach them to hand over a "break" card, use a speech-generating device, or say or sign "break" instead. Over time, with consistent reinforcement, the appropriate communication replaces the challenging behavior.
ABA therapists use a range of evidence-based techniques to build communication skills. These are carefully selected and individualized based on each child's current level, learning style, and goals.
DTT breaks communication skills into small, teachable steps. The therapist presents a clear instruction, prompts the child to respond, and provides reinforcement for correct responses. This method is especially effective for teaching foundational communication skills like labeling objects, making requests, and responding to simple questions.
NET embeds communication practice into everyday routines and play. Instead of a structured table-based session, communication is taught in context — at snack time, during play, or on an outing. This helps children generalize their skills to real-life situations, which is especially important for functional communication.
PECS is a widely used Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) method that teaches children to exchange picture symbols to communicate. It is particularly effective for children who are minimally verbal or nonverbal, giving them an immediate and reliable way to express themselves while verbal language develops.
The Verbal Behavior approach, developed from B.F. Skinner's analysis of language, categorizes communication by its function. Therapists teach different types of verbal behavior including manding (requesting), tacting (labeling), intraverbals (conversational responding), and echoics (vocal imitation). This approach ensures children are not just saying words but using them meaningfully.
For children who need additional support, ABA therapists may incorporate speech-generating devices or tablet-based AAC apps (such as Proloquo2Go or TouchChat) into therapy. BCBAs collaborate with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to ensure the AAC system is integrated into the child's overall communication program.
ABA programs at Sunny Skies ABA are built around each child's individualized goals. Common communication targets include:
Manding (requesting): Teaching the child to ask for items, activities, or attention
Tacting (labeling): Identifying and naming objects, actions, and events in the environment
Responding to questions: Answering "what," "who," "where," and "why" questions
Conversation skills: Initiating and maintaining simple back-and-forth exchanges
Expressing emotions: Teaching children to communicate how they feel rather than act it out
Commenting and sharing: Pointing out things of interest and sharing observations with others
Following directions: Understanding and responding to instructions in home, school, and community settings
At Sunny Skies ABA, we believe that parent involvement is not optional — it is essential. Communication skills learned in therapy only become truly functional when they are practiced and reinforced throughout the day. Our BCBAs provide parent training so caregivers can:
Recognize and respond to their child's communication attempts (including nonverbal ones)
Use the same prompting and reinforcement strategies the therapist uses
Create opportunities for communication practice during daily routines
Understand how to respond to challenging behavior without accidentally reinforcing it
When parents and therapists work as a team, children make faster progress and skills generalize more naturally to everyday life.
Families in North Carolina have strong insurance protections for ABA therapy. Since 2015, North Carolina law (SB 676, also known as Robin's Law) has required all state-regulated health insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals under 18 with an autism diagnosis. Coverage includes services that address communication, behavior, and skill development.
Sunny Skies ABA accepts major insurance plans and works with families to navigate the authorization process. North Carolina Medicaid also covers ABA services for eligible children.
Key insurance facts for NC families:
ABA therapy must be medically necessary and supported by an autism diagnosis
Coverage is available for children under 18 under state-regulated plans
NC Medicaid covers ABA for eligible children through various waiver programs
The annual coverage cap under state-regulated plans is $40,000
Getting started is straightforward. Here is what the process looks like:
1. Contact us: Reach out by phone or our online intake form. We will gather some basic information about your child and your insurance.
2. Insurance verification: Our team verifies your coverage and walks you through what is included.
3. Assessment: A BCBA conducts an initial assessment in your home to understand your child's communication strengths and needs.
4. Treatment plan: We develop a personalized plan with measurable communication goals.
5. Therapy begins: Your child is matched with a dedicated RBT, supervised by a BCBA, and therapy sessions begin in your home.
Yes. ABA therapy does not require verbal speech as a prerequisite. For nonverbal or minimally verbal children, ABA therapists can use AAC systems (picture cards, devices, or sign language) to give children an immediate way to communicate while also working toward verbal language goals where appropriate.
No. ABA and speech therapy complement each other. ABA focuses on the behavioral and motivational aspects of communication, while speech-language pathology addresses the motor and linguistic aspects of speech production. Many families receive both, and at Sunny Skies ABA, we coordinate with SLPs when needed to ensure consistent goals.
The timeline varies by child. Some children show noticeable gains in a few weeks; others require months of consistent practice. Progress is tracked through data collection at every session, and your BCBA will review this with you regularly so you can see your child's growth clearly over time.
Yes. Sunny Skies ABA provides in-home ABA therapy across North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Greensboro, and surrounding areas. Because therapy is delivered in the home, geographic barriers are minimized.
Every child deserves a way to communicate. Whether your child is working toward their first words, building sentence structure, or learning to have conversations, ABA therapy for functional communication can make a meaningful difference in their daily life and independence.
At Sunny Skies ABA, we deliver compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy in the comfort of your home across North Carolina. Our BCBAs design individualized programs that meet your child exactly where they are and build toward the communication goals that matter most to your family.
Contact Sunny Skies ABA today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward brighter days.
The earlier you start, the more your child will gain. Sunny Skies ABA provides compassionate, evidence-based in-home ABA therapy across North Carolina - designed around your child's unique strengths and your family's goals. Contact Sunny Skies ABA today to schedule your free consultation. Our team will walk you through the process, verify your insurance coverage, and take the first step toward building the foundation your child needs to thrive.
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