Picture Exchange Communication System
PECS is a unique augmentative/alternative communication intervention package for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials. It was created with families, educators, and resident care providers in mind, so is readily used in a range of settings.
PECS begins by teaching an individual to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner", who immediately honors the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, individuals are taught to answer questions and to comment.
The PECS teaching protocol is based on B.F. Skinner’s book, Verbal Behavior, such that functional verbal operants are systematically taught using prompting and reinforcement strategies that will lead to independent communication. Verbal prompts are not used, thus building immediate initiation and avoiding prompt dependence.
PECS has been successful with individuals of all ages demonstrating a variety of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties. Some learners using PECS also develop speech. Others may transition to a voice output system. The body of research supporting the effectiveness of PECS continues to expand, with research from countries around the world.
As a special "welcome back" for the 2014-15 school year, this training is free to all participants from districts and charters within Region 13. Please enter discount code sept2014 to attend at no cost.
To take the advanced PECS course, you must have already completed the Basic Course. Please bring your PECS manual to the training.
This training will show you how to teach PECS with fidelity so your learners don’t get stuck on early Phases of PECS. Let us help you create lessons that turn your PECS user into someone who communicates in all situations using longer sentences. A review of the six Phases of PECS and discussions about your current challenges combined with ideas related to materials, teaching strategies and activities to promote communication will refine your PECS implementation skills. With innovative ideas, renewed confidence and enthusiasm you will leave PECS Level 2 ready to move PECS users to more sophisticated levels of communication.
You Will Learn:
- How the components of the Pyramid Approach to Education are directly related to proper implementation of the PECS protocol
- How to incorporate communication within daily activities and routines
- How to develop advanced PECS lessons
- How to analyze teaching PECS across the day
10 TSHA CEUs pending
This workshop is at the Commons Learning Center
Commons Building(#137) is located at:
J.J. Pickle Research Campus
10100 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78758
(between U.S. 183 and Braker Lane)
All visitors must use the Burnet Road entrance. Parking is $3 per day and there is no nearby on street parking.
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As you enter the campus, turn right on C.P. Bonner Road. Park in the lot to your left, directly in front of the Commons Building. Pay for a parking permit at the Pay Station in the parking lot. Charge is $3 per day payable by credit/debit card or cash (exact change only).