Evaluation of multiple schedules with naturally occurring and therapist-arranged discriminative stimuli following functional communication training.

The team ran FCT with three children. After the first phase they started thinning the schedule.

They compared two kinds of cues. One group used colored cards that told the child when the reinforcer was available. The other group relied on normal therapist moves like putting materials away.

The study asked which cue set helps the child learn the new mand faster and keep it in new places.

Two of three kids learned the mand quicker with the colored cards. Those same two also used the mand in new rooms when the cards were there.

But two kids also saw a small jump in problem behavior when the schedule got thin.

So arranged cues won on speed and generalization, yet resurgence still popped up for most.

Greer et al. (2016) looked at 25 kids and found the same pattern: clear Sᴰ signals keep FCT working while you thin. D et al. just zoomed in on where those signals can come from.

Ramirez et al. (2025) built on this idea by starting with a fixed-lean 60 s/240 s multiple schedule right away. They showed you can move fast if the signals are strong, backing up the value of arranged cues.

Leon et al. (2010) seems to disagree at first glance. They got good generalization with natural cues alone. The key difference is they taught only attention mands during quiet moments, so the natural cues were already crystal clear. When cues are muddy, arranged cards win.

If you are thinning FCT, start with an easy-to-see arranged cue like a colored card or bracelet. It gives the child a clear rule and protects against resurgence better than hoping natural cues will do the job. You can fade the card later once the contingency is solid.