This text explains the phenomenon of facilitated communication (FC) from an empirical, data-based, and/or clinical perspective. It is not a how-to-facilitate text, but one that explores the clinical and sociological reality of FC. A common theme running through each of the papers in the book is the question of FC's legitimacy. The papers reveal unanimity about several FC related issues, including: the theory behind the practice of FC is misguided and simplistic; the proponents have not adequately considered what is known about the movement characteristics, learning styles, and communication deficits of persons with developmental disabilities; and there is little evidence to support conclusions drawn by the movement's major theorists and most ardent proponents. Papers have the following titles and authors: "Facilitated Communication: Factual, Fictional, or Factitious" (Howard C. Shane); "The Australian Origins of Facilitated Communication" (Jon Palfreman); "The 'Facilitated Communication' Craze as an Instance of Pathological Science: The Cold Fusion of Human Services" (Wolf Wolfensberger); "Implications of Facilitated Communication for Education and Communication Enhancement Practices for Persons with Autism" (Barry M. Prizant and others); "The Quality of the Evidence" (Gina Green); "How Shall Facilitated Communication Be Judged? Facilitated Communication and the Legal System" (Kenneth N. Margolin); "Establishing the Source of Communication" (Howard C. Shane); and "The Facilitated Nightmare: The Dark Side of the Phenomenon" (Howard C. Shane). (References accompany each paper.) (JDD)