The following article is only an introductory look at using functional communication. However, it lends good perspective to the plight of the individual with autism when engaging in the real world. I specifically like the idea of getting “EVERYONE” involved when practicing a new phrase, ignoring (as much as possible) the negative behavioral (especially if it’s attention seeking), and reinforcing the positive new skill (using a learned new phrase).

http://autismsocietyofnc.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/what-is-functional-communication-anyway/