Leading voices in autism education, advocacy, and behavior analysis join forces to deliver actionable strategies for real-world success across the lifespan
Pyramid Educational Consultants, the home of the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®), are proud to announce the Pyramid FUNctional Conference 2025, taking place virtually on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. This one-day event, themed “Shaping Tomorrow's Success Today,” brings together top international experts in autism education, speech-language pathology, behavior analysis, special education, and disability advocacy.
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457856/Pyramid_logo_text_main_color_CMYK_Logo.jpg
Designed for professionals, educators, caregivers, and support staff, the conference will explore how functional, evidence-based practices can help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities lead more independent, fulfilling lives-from early intervention through adulthood. Conference registration is now open at https://pecsusa.com/pyramid-functional-conference-2025
Keynote & International Thought Leaders
The event opens with a powerful keynote from Andy Bondy, PhD and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, the founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants and developers of PECS. Their session, “Our Journey: The Road to Functional Independence,” will offer insights on how foundational communication, social, and independence-building skills create lasting impact across a lifetime.
“Functional learning is not just about school readiness,it's about preparing people to live meaningful adult lives-at home, at work, and in the community.” – Dr. Bondy
Additional featured speakers include:
— Armando Bernal, MEd, BCBA, a neurodivergent behavior analyst and founder of Autism International Consulting, a self-advocacy-centered organization which provides in-home ABA, in-clinic ABA, and international consultation, presenting “Working with Families: Creating Real-World Goals that Matter”-a compelling talk on building trust and culturally affirming practices in ABA for children aged 2-12.
— Dr. Peter Gerhardt & Dr. Shanna Bahry, long-time advocates for transition-age youth, discussing “Assessing & Teaching Meaningful Skills for Adults with Autism.” Their work focuses on ethical, behavior-analytic practices that yield meaningful outcomes in employment, community living, and personal autonomy.
— Dr. Vivian Bush, Pam Graves, Molly Lingo, and Pam Wilmont, an innovative team from Sussex Consortium and Pyramid, who will deliver “Preparing for the Final Bus Stop: Transition and Vocational Programming,” a real-world case study on successful transition planning for students aged 18-22.
— Dr. Noor Syed, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Applied Behavior Analysis, and founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State College, will share tools for “Building Executive Function, Advocacy, and Career Success for Neurodivergent College Students.”
— Dr. Amy S.F. Lutz, author and disability advocate, offers a unique perspective in “Dignity Through Choice: Rethinking 14c and the Future of Disability Employment Supports,” exploring the complex debate around sheltered workshops, minimum wage laws, and dignity of labor for those with profound support needs.
A Conference with Lasting Impact
The 2025 Pyramid FUNctional Conference is more than a professional development opportunity-it's a movement toward building systems that support lifelong growth and functional independence for all learners.
Attendees will gain:
— 6.0 CEUs (ASHA, BACB, IBAO)
— Strategies for communication, executive functioning, transition, and employment
— Insights from a diverse, expert panel of clinicians, educators, and advocates
“Whether you're supporting a nonverbal preschooler or helping a young adult prepare for work, this conference provides the tools, frameworks, and inspiration to meet each learner where they are-and guide them where they want to go,” said Lori Frost.
Registration & Details
The Pyramid FUNctional Conference 2025 is held entirely online to maximize accessibility for a global audience. Registration is now open at https://pecsusa.com/pyramid-functional-conference-2025
Group rates are available.
About Pyramid Educational Consultants
Founded in 1992 by Andy Bondy, PhD and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, Pyramid Educational Consultants is internationally recognized for its development of the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS) and the Pyramid Approach to Education®. With offices across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Pyramid is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with communication difficulties through evidence-based teaching strategies, training, and global partnerships.
Media Contact:Rayna BondyGlobal Outreach Director, Pyramid Educational ConsultantsY” rayna@pecs.com | Y” (302) 368-2515YOE www.pecsusa.com
https://c212.net/c/img/favicon.png?sn=PH25554&sd=2025-07-08
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyramid-educational-consultants-to-host-virtual-pyramid-functional-conference-2025-shaping-tomorrows-success-today-on-october-14-2025-302499814.html
SOURCE Pyramid Educational Consultants
https://rt.newswire.ca/rt.gif?NewsItemId=PH25554&Transmission_Id=202507081012PR_NEWS_USPR_____PH25554&DateId=20250708