PECS

[Lauren]

Is anyone using PECS (picture exchange communication system) with their kids? Today and tomorrow I'm going to all day trainings to learn how to do PECS. My program wants me to teach the parents' whose children use PECS at school, but the family was never taught so it isn't used at home. It's really exciting so far!

[Victoria]

I'm not familiar with that system.

[Merri]

Is it the system of using a folder of pictures, and the child points to what he/she wants? Or an actual device that says the words when pressed? We tried the booklet of pics with dd when she was younger, but she didn't "get" the concept. Now that she is older we are going through the lengthy process of augmentive communication evaluation. She tried out a Dynavox at school Tuesday, it was a pretty neat little device. I'm excited about the whole process, I know dd has so much to say, as soon as we get her the right tools!
I hope you enjoy the training, and good luck with the teaching the parents, that sounds like a very helpful program.

[Trey]

I just started using it. My brother used it a lot when he was younger and it really helped him communicate, as well as know what was going on/what to expect, which led to less outbursts when something different happened. It also helped with his behavior!

I made my own, and I am just using it as flashcards, as well as a reward chart and a schedule.

[Christine]

We used to, when my son was nonverbal. Not so much anymore, unless it's for a social story, or for scheduling.

[Lauren]

Merri, it's the first one, but in this specific system you need to hand the picture to the person in order to get the item.

I finished the training and now I'm certified in using basic PECS. I can't wait to start!