Functional communication training during reinforcement schedule thinning: An analysis of 25 applications.

Greer et al. (2016) looked at 25 times they used FCT plus schedule thinning.

They paired the new communication response with clear S-delta and S-plus signals.

The goal was to keep problem behavior low while parents gave fewer rewards.

All 25 runs kept the gains after thinning with no added punishment.

Kids still used the new words or signs even when treats came slowly.

Caregivers could manage the leaner schedule without extra stress.

Saini et al. (2015) ran the same FCT plus signaled thinning on one boy. His chained aggression dropped, matching the 2016 pattern.

Ramirez et al. (2025) tried a fixed-lean 60 s/240 s multiple schedule right away. Two of three kids stayed calm, showing you can sometimes skip slow steps.

Kranak et al. (2024) wrote new rules that build on Greer’s work. They now say to mix schedules and check social validity—an update, not a clash.

Edelstein et al. (2025) let parents run FCT with a cumulative schedule. They saw a 94% drop in behavior, proving caregivers can handle thinning too.

You no longer need to choose between rich reinforcement and caregiver sanity. Put a green card on the table when rewards are available and flip it to red when they are not. Start thinning as soon as the mand is strong—most clients keep the peace. If one client relapses, slide back to a slower stepwise plan.