Facilitated communication with individuals with autism was eventually discredited,as it became apparent that the thoughts of the alleged communicators were actually the thoughts of the facilitators.The facilitators were influencing the words typed by the individuals with autism,even though the facilitators had no awareness of this.What does this case tell us about the nature of social cognition?

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This case tells us that nonconscious, experiential processes can play an important role in shaping behavior and cognition. The facilitators were influencing the communication of individuals with autism without even being aware of it, demonstrating the power of nonconscious processes in social cognition. It does not suggest that people are capable of planting thoughts in the minds of others, that social cognition always involves the direct interplay of two or more individuals, or that people with autism are incapable of communication.

Facilitated Communication with Individuals with Autism Was Eventually Discredited,as It