Description

This intensive two-day training is designed to teach participants the theory behind the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the protocols for how to appropriately implement the six phases of PECS.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used to rapidly teach communication skills to those with limited functional speech. PECS promotes communication within a social context, without lengthy prerequisite training. Training in PECS begins by teaching a spontaneous request and goes on to teach additional communicative functions such as responding to questions and commenting. An added attraction for preschool children with autism and related disabilities is the high proportion of children who acquire independent speech. Participants will learn how to implement the six phases of PECS, plus attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of how to implement PECS with individuals with autism, related developmental disabilities, and/or limited communication skills

Objectives

The key Pyramid components to designing effective educational environments

Strategies to create an abundance of opportunities for communication

The relationship between PECS and traditional communication training approaches

How to implement all six phases of PECS with target individuals using a behavior analytic orientation

The criteria for transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities

Course Presenter

Julie Hoffmann, MA, CCC-SLP, has been a practicing SLP for over 25 years. She has been on the faculty at Saint Louis University since 1994 and is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor. She provides clinical instruction for diagnostics and therapy and teaches courses in Phonetics, Survey of Speech Disorders, and Speech/Language Development & Disorders for the Classroom Teacher. Julie has a private practice in Columbia, IL specializing in treating children with severe speech disorders. She has a passion for teaching and working with challenging clients and their families.

View the course listing on Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.’s website.