Many people with special needs, including those with autism, have difficulty with both expressive and receptive communication. For parents and professionals, it can be confusing selecting which approach to use and deciding what to work on first. If the individual is nonverbal, teams often ask themselves, do we spend time encouraging speech and if so, for how long? Should we instead pursue alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) systems? What specific skills should we focus on that will make a real difference to the learner?
Pyramid can help answer these questions. In addition to the evidence-based Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), we offer a variety of workshops and onsite support focusing on teaching critical communication skills that can be implemented no matter what modality the learner uses. Embedding communication skills into the day’s activities is of the utmost importance and practical methods of making this happen are woven into all our services.
Communication Workshops Available:
- PECS Level 1
- Picture Exchange Communication in Mainstream Education
- Creating the Foundation for Effective SGD Use
- Teaching Communication Skills for Self-Advocacy
- PECS Level 1 with Homework
- PECSTalk Overview
- PECS for Support Staff
- Client Hosted Workshop
- When Modeling Isn’t Enough: Effective Strategies for Teaching Independence with High Tech AAC
- PECS Level 1 Online
- Introduction to PECS (FREE talk)
- PECS Level 2
- PECS Level 2 Online
- PECS Level 2 Taster (FREE talk)
- Transitioning from PECS to SGDs
- SoSAFE! Social & Sexual Safety
- SoSAFE! Sample (FREE talk)
- Communication Skills for the Classroom
- PECS in Your Curriculum
- Teaching Critical Communication Skills Online Workshop