Episode 210: Facilitating Communicating (with Helen Lewis)
Apr 6, 2024
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Helen Lewis, journalist at The Atlantic, discusses facilitated communication and Scotland's hate crime law. They explore Anne McDonald's breakthrough, controversies around facilitated communication, and the impact on individuals with disabilities. The episode delves into historical misuses of medical practices and the challenges of journalism integrity.
Facilitated communication evolved as a tool for disability rights, enabling communication for individuals with autism and cerebral palsy.
Despite initial positive reception, facilitated communication faced criticism for lacking scientific support and potential facilitator influence.
FC had charismatic advocates but was deemed unproven by the American Psychological Association, leading to ongoing skepticism and controversy.
The legacy of FC reflects a mix of success stories and ethical dilemmas, exemplified by cases like Anna Stubblefield's sexual misconduct allegations.
Deep dives
Rosemary Crossley's Approach to Facilitated Communication
Rosemary Crossley developed facilitated communication to help people with autism and other conditions communicate. It involved a facilitator supporting the individual's wrist to help them type out messages. Crossley's work with Anne McDonald, who had severe disabilities, showed promise as Anne was able to communicate using FC. However, doubts and controversies arose regarding the efficacy of FC.
Impact of Facilitated Communication on Disability Rights Activism
Facilitated communication became a key tool in disability rights activism, promoting the idea that individuals with disabilities could communicate through methods like FC. Despite scientific scrutiny and doubts about its validity, FC gained popularity in the US, especially within the community advocating for individuals with autism and communication difficulties.
Public Perception and Criticisms of Facilitated Communication
By the 1990s, facilitated communication had gained positive media coverage and widespread use, extending beyond its initial purpose for individuals with cerebral palsy. However, doubts emerged, leading to the American Psychological Association declaring it unproven. Critics questioned the validity of FC, highlighting its lack of scientific support and raising concerns about potential manipulation.
Charismatic Champions and Endorsements of Facilitated Communication
Despite skepticism within the academic community, facilitated communication had charismatic advocates who shared powerful narratives of success with FC. Documentaries like 'Autism is a World' showcased individuals like Sue Rubin, whose communication abilities improved significantly with FC. However, scrutiny continued as FC faced ongoing controversy and mixed reception among professionals.
The Complex Legacy and Debate Surrounding Facilitated Communication
The legacy of facilitated communication is complex, blending stories of apparent breakthroughs with scientific skepticism. While some individuals reported positive outcomes with FC, concerns about facilitator influence, lack of empirical evidence, and mixed research outcomes have perpetuated ongoing debates about the method's efficacy and impact on disability rights advocacy.
The Intersection of Facilitated Communication and Ethical Concerns
Facilitated Communication (FC) poses ethical dilemmas as exemplified by the case of Anna Stubblefield, who faced accusations of sexual misconduct with a disabled individual. The podcast delves into how FC, despite some promising outcomes, can lead to serious repercussions, including false allegations and exploitation. Stubblefield's story highlights the complexities of consent, credibility, and the power dynamics involved in using FC with vulnerable populations.
Challenges of Acknowledging Wrongdoing and Pattern of Defensiveness
The podcast scrutinizes the human propensity to shield oneself from admitting grievous errors, such as sexual abuse in the context of facilitated communication. It explores the cognitive dissonance individuals face when confronted with the magnitude of their misconduct, detailing how biases and cognitive defenses can impede self-reflection and accountability even in grave situations.
Legacy and Legacy of Facilitated Communication: Debunking and Lessons Learned
The legacy of FC, marred by controversies and scandals, prompts a reevaluation of its effectiveness and ethical implications. Insights from cases like Anna Stubblefield's underscore the critical need for skepticism, evidence-based practices, and safeguards to prevent potential harm and exploitation within the realm of communication assistance for individuals with disabilities.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by Helen Lewis to discuss the complex and controversial world of facilitated communication. Plus, Scotland's new hate crime law and Helen's new show.
