This intensive 13-hour interactive workshop is designed to teach educational and caregiver teams the theory and protocol for the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), an evidence-based practice based on Applied Behavior Analysis, typical language development, and B.F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior. The workshop begins with an introduction to creating the most effective learning environment for implementing PECS via The Pyramid Approach to Education. Included is a discussion of the limitations of teaching other communication modalities (speech, sign, SGD) as an initial communication strategy. Using presenter demonstrations, role-play opportunities, and video examples participants will gain a thorough understanding and hands-on experience of each of the six phases of PECS. Participants will leave the training with the skills necessary to teach spontaneous requesting, picture discrimination, sentence structure, attributes for expanding language, extended vocabulary, responding to questions, and commenting. The workshop concludes with a review of the extensive literature supporting the PECS protocol as an evidence-based practice, tips to teach your learner to accept being told, “No,” and information related to transitioning from PECS to other communication modalities, such as speech, tablets with AAC apps, or speech generating devices. For those who wish to successfully teach their learners functional communication (whether you have used PECS for some time or are new to the field), this workshop is an essential part of your development.

*Materials and handouts are all included in the registration fee.