Participants will learn about the importance of incorporating Functional Communication Training (FCT) into all aspects of their students' educational programming. FCT has been identified as one of the most effective and common interventions for addressing severe problem behaviors in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

During this workshop, participants will receive an overview of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) developed by Lorri Frost and Andy Bondy in 2002. It is a evidenced-based practice based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), verbal behavior, and typical language development. Using videos, presenter demonstrations, and role-play scenarios, participants will gain an understanding of how to implement the six phases of PECS with their students. They will also learn how to determine which students are a good candidate for PECS and how to teach their students to spontaneously request, discriminate between pictures/icons, increase from single picture requests to full sentence requests by expanding their vocabulary, along with how to respond to questions and make comments. Participants will also learn how to create an environment that promotes the use of language by creating communication temptations/sabotages and opportunities to use and expand their functional communication skills across the school day. The session will also provide tips for troubleshooting common problems that may arise while implementing PECS in the school setting.

Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of prioritizing functional communication training in their classrooms whether they are using an evidenced-based program like PECS or some other means to promote functional communication skills of their students across the school day as well as when to transition to other communication modalities such as speech or AAC devices).