Case study of Siobhan, a non-verbal communicator. Using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) methodology, Siobhan has successfully transitioned from low-tech to high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

1. Picture Exchange Communication System Methodology In High Tech AAC Devices

2. The following information was presented at the 25 th annual CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference in Los Angeles in March, 2009. It does not provide training in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) methodology, but instead is a case study. For PECS information and training, please contact Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. at pecs.com or 1-888-732-7462.

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4. Session ID: AAC-1014 Title: Picture Exchange Communication System Methodology in AAC Devices Speakers: Donna Banzhof, Joseph Karr O'Connor Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009 Start Time: 10:40 AM End Time: 11:40 AM Location: Renaissance - International A

5. Donna Banzhof, M.Ed. Pyramid Consultant Senior PECS Supervisor & Trainer 1-888-732-7462 (toll free) [email_address] http://www.pecs.com Joseph Karr O'Connor (Siobhan's Dad) Manager, University Web Communications California State University, Northridge 1-818-677-7971 [email_address] http://www.youtube.com/josephkoconnor

10. Brief history of Siobhan Why transition to High Tech AAC (HTAAC)?

15. How widespread is PECS? "The most widely used intervention was PECS, with almost all of the participants mentioning it, even those who did not use any other intervention in their program." Stahmer, A., Collings, N. & Palinkas, L. (2005). Early Intervention Practices for Children With Autism: Descriptions From Community Providers. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Studies , 20, 66-79.

17. The Pyramid Approach to Education The “how” of teaching Data © Pyramid Educational The “why” of behavior The science of learning Teaching Strategies Error Correction Generalization Effective Lessons Powerful Reinforcers Functional Activities Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors Functional Communication

18. The Pyramid and PECS © Pyramid Educational Functional Activities Students engaged in functional activities have something to communicate! Reinforcement The first lesson in PECS is requesting a reinforcer, so we must identify a powerful reinforcer before beginning Functional Communication PECS begins by teaching requesting- the communication skill associated with access to a powerful reinforcer Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors Communication skills could be potential Functionally Equivalent Alternative Behaviors (FEABs)

21. Pyramid Principles for Teaching Functional Communication Decisions PECS Modality Pictures Communicative function to teach first Requesting Approach to spontaneity From beginning

36. Communication Across the Day Activity Expressive Communication Receptive Communication Feeding Gaynor “ I want help” Follow schedule Meal time Request desired food item Request help WAIT Retrieve requested item After school Request activity Request snack Respond to “what did you do today” Follow schedule WAIT Understanding “no” Follow directions