The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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. 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! 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.).  A major highlight will be a discussion of a meta-analytic paper that is currently in press with the working title “Picture Exchange Communication System, What do the data say?”  Participants will receive the most up-to-date listing of research and abstracts.

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