PECS Basic Training Workshop

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a language-training package that is used to teach communication skills rapidly 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, and 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 limited functional communication skills.

This workshop is appropriate for parents/carers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, teachers, paraprofessionals, home therapists, social workers, psychologists, and program administrators.

Participants will learn: The key Pyramid components for designing effective educational environments Strategies to create opportunities for communication How to discuss in detail the Picture Exchange Communication System and its relationship to “traditional” training programs How to implement all six Phases of PECS with target individuals using a behaviour analytic orientation

For more details, or to register, go to www.pecsaustralia.com or call +61 3 9391 6122