Functional communication training (FCT) alone reduces escape-maintained challenging behavior more effectively than differential reinforcement of compliance (DRC) in children with autism spectrum disorder, but does not increase compliance, whereas DRC increases compliance to over 90% of demands but produces higher and more variable levels of challenging behavior.

When a child learns to ask for a break instead of throwing a tantrum, the brain reduces activity in areas that trigger escape behaviors and strengthens connections that reward following instructions. When a child is rewarded only for following instructions, the brain learns to associate compliance with positive outcomes, but the urge to escape remains active, causing more unpredictable outbursts.