PECS Intensive Program

PECS Intensive Programs

The Intensive Program focuses on the implementation of PECS for learners aged 3-7 years. The program is appropriate for learners that have never used PECS, as well as those learners who are currently struggling with progression through the phases. The program generally runs for a period of 1 week, with learners attending the program for six hours each day for a total of 5 days. Your learner will work on communication skills across settings, with different communication partners to make a variety of comments and requests. It is not uncommon for the learner to engage in over 200 communicative exchanges per day at the program. Parents are encouraged to attend the PECS Basic Training. FaHCSIA funding may be used for the PECS Intensive Program, for more information please see the "useful links" below.

Upcoming PECS Intensive Programs

PECS Intensive Program - July 5th to July 9th , 2010
One Parents' Perspective
Our Volunteers' Perspective
Useful Links

PECS Intensive Program - July 5th to July 9th, 2010

From July 5th through to July 9th, 2010 four students attended the PECS Intensive Program at our clinic in Newport. The week saw all of the students make great progress. Each day the students engaged in activities such as free play, play dough, painting, sand play, snack time and outside play. The focus across all activities was requesting using PECS and other critical communication skills. Three volunteers, Hanna and Miranda from Hong Kong and Amanda from Sydney, assisted in the implementation of PECS across the week. While our students were learning about communication, our volunteers were learning about creating communicative opportunities and accurate data collection. If you are interested in volunteering to work at an intensive program or would like your child to attend, please click on the relevant link below, or email Erin Hobbin.

One Parents’ Perspective...

Pre-Intensive:
‘My daughter has little speech, I knew it (the intensive program) would be life changing for Briella, who is constantly frustrated at being unable to
communicate and let her needs be known!’

During the Intensive:
‘Briella was still using her PECS book back at the motel for things that she couldn’t “say” often the sweets picture’
(The feedback provided was) ‘Brilliant – everyday a record of what Briella had learnt/worked on and what I could do to continue to work on overnight’.

Post Intensive:
‘...even though she still has a bit to go before mastering PECS, she already has realised the power of bringing me a picture and getting the reinforcer. ‘
‘...am excited to be heading home to show Briella’s teachers and friends how far she has come along.’

Our Volunteers' Perspective...

Amanda, Sydney...
“... Rebecca and Sophie were friendly, very knowledgeable and dedicated facilitators. Volunteering at the Intensive meant I got to see the children progress really quickly throughout the week, which made me feel like all the effort we put in was truly worthwhile. It also meant I could see the power of PECS working right in front of my eyes and I found that very satisfying. I also just had a lot of fun playing and singing with a gorgeous, diverse group of kids. (“Fuzzy the Clown” is a song which will be forever etched in my mind). A big thanks to Pyramid for teaching me new skills, giving me more experience and great memories.”

Miranda, Hong Kong...
“... it is a busy but very encouraging & valuable experience to witness the wonderful improvement made by the little learners in just 5 days. The 2 consultants’ passionate and professional ways in guiding us and handling data had set good examples for our future implementation of PECS in our school”

PECS Intensive Volunteers