Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 12/21/2008

Question
Val, I have a 7 year old son who is non verbal.  The school started teaching him using Pecs, then went to signs, and now they are using something something like Pecs but they speak the word when they are pressed. The school says they are using a combination of things to see which works best.
Do you think the school knows what they are doing? or are thy just learning from my son. Do you have any subjections on the best way to communicate with him or how to get him to communicate with us. I don't know if he is being confused by using different methods.

Answer
Hi Chris

This is definitely my area of expertise. I would love to know why they are jumping around. How long were they trying to teach him PECS before they went to signs? I don't think I like their approach. I would rather they stick with one thing before they introduce another system, unless they tried and were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, I think they are not doing things the correct way. In January, we will be doing our one hour webinar/teleseminar, Communication Strategies for Low and Non Verbal Children. I haven't posted the dates and times yet, but I would highly recommend that you take this class. Keep checking the website. I will post the times and dates after Christmas. Meanwhile, I am always available for private consultations.

Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC
valerieherskowitz.com