The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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Autism Society records most keynote and concurrent sessions at their annual conferences. You can see and hear those recordings by purchasing full online access, or individual recordings.

2834 The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): 20 Years of Learning and Growing!


Saturday, July 14, 2007: 8:15 AM-9:30 AM
Rainmakers Ballroom B (The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)
MP3

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PECS was developed as a functional communication system. Since it’s inception the research base has grown. However, there are some lingering myths regarding the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems in general and PECS specifically. These myths will be discussed in relation to research findings. As the research base surrounding PECS grows, we need to share current findings as well as describe future directions for research. Join me for this lively discussion and submit your ideas for future research! While the focus of this talk is to present the most commonly held “myths” or concerns surrounding PECS implementation, I will also provide opportunities for participants to suggest future directions for research. While we at Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. do conduct some research “in house” it is often more beneficial if outside organizations and universities replicate and extend research findings. For this reason we are grateful that many universities worldwide are conducting research on PECS. Discussion topics will include the correlation between PECS and speech, the use of PECS within ABA programs, the relationship between PECS and Verbal Behavior and the difference between PECS and commonly used visual strategies (e.g., visual schedules, visual reinforcement systems, etc.). Participants will receive the most up-to-date listing of research and abstracts.

Learning Objectives:

  • List common questions and concerns related to PECS implementation.
  • Describe current research topics and results.
  • Distinguish between myth and fact.

Content Area: Communication

Presenter:

Anne Hoffman, M.Ed.
Pyramid Consultant/ Senior PECS Trainer and Supervisor
Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.

Anne Hoffman, M.Ed. is a Pyramid US consultant with 15 years experience in the field of autism. Since 1997 she has worked for Pyramid providing training and consultation services to professionals and families. She has provided training for parents and professionals in 48 states and 5 countries. She helped develop the PECS Intensive Summer Program in the US as well as the mentoring process for Pyramid US consultants.