Pyramid Educational Consultants to Host Virtual "Pyramid FUNctional Conference 2025: Shaping Tomorrow's Success Today" on October 14, 2025

Leading voices in autism education, advocacy, and behavior analysis join forces to deliver actionable strategies for real-world success across the lifespan

NEWARK, Del., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

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 Bondy
Global Outreach Director, Pyramid Educational Consultants
📧 [email protected] | 📞 (302) 368-2515
🌐 www.pecsusa.com

SOURCE Pyramid Educational Consultants