Creating an Innovative and Accessible Service Model for Communication Training for Children with Communication Difficulties

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one of the most common and effective augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals with communication impairments, including children/youth with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental and communication disorders. Although PECS is empirically supported, the traditional approach to training is resource intensive in terms of treatment duration, staff resources, and cost to families. This is problematic as in the last few years significant changes to autism services in Ontario have occurred (i.e., funding restrictions, focus on brief intervention models, limitations in trained personnel, etc). These changes present significant challenges to community agencies in terms of providing empirically-supported services, such as PECS. This project is designed to address these challenges. The outcomes of this project will include the creation of a new PECS resource package and service model that meets the community’s need for innovative, efficient, accessible PECS training.

Faculty Supervisor:

Julie Koudys

Student:

Partner:

Bethesda

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Brock University

Program: