PECS Phase 1 - anyone done this at home?

[Joggeroo]

Went on the 2 day pecs workshop this week and am excited but a bit apprehensvie about getting started. Am arranging to meet with school so we can co ordinate but just wondered whether anyone here has any experience / advice/ tips?
Thanks

[gess]

You need 2 people!!!! Make sure the other one knows what they're doing. Did anyone go with you? If not is there anyone at school PECS trained - I found it really helps in the early stages to have people to work with who really understand what they are doing. And make sure you use really really strong reinforcers initially. Glad the 2 day workshop was good, I've always found pyramid to be very professional. Hmm might do a review on them today or tomorrow.

PECS made a huge difference to us. DS1 is 8 and has only just started to sign so from the age of 3 has had PECS as his main form of communication (other than dragging and shouting etc). It's a great system.

[Joggeroo]

Had to go on my own as DH had to look after our other children, plus the expense was too much for 2, though I see they are holding a parents only 2 day WS and the cost is much reduced if both parents go on that.

Have identified some really strong reinforcers which is partly why I am keen to get started-since raspberries are just coming in to season!
Several children in his class already use PECs and some staff are PECs trained.

I just think it could unlock so much for him that I want to give us every change to make it happen, but am conscious of getting it right from the start as it feels a bit like getting ready for a bungee jump!
Have you done any other Pyramid courses Gess? I was impressed by how well it was presented.

[gess]

I've done PECS throughout the day and also went to their conference. I agree that it's pricey for 2- and that the parent only workshop is a really good idea. There were a few parents on the throughout the day w/s but most attendees were teachers.

As you've got PECS trained people working with you as well I'd really ask them to do a few sessions with phase 1 if they can do it asap - would there be any way your dh could watch it done a few times- much easier when you've seen it done properly. Another option would be to get the PECS DVD- it does show the phases clearly- again not cheap (nothing is from pyramid!) but its a good video. Once you're past phase 1 its much easier as you don't need 2 people that much, but for the early phases I think doing it properly is important iykwim. Do it asap though- it gets harder once momentum is lost.

[Joggeroo]

really helpful, will ask school whether they have a copy of the DVD, thanks gess.