What is the Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS?

Unravel the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and discover its power to facilitate communication for individuals with speech challenges.

By Arms Wide Open ABA

June 21, 2024

What is the Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS?

Understanding the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely recognized and effective method of communication for individuals with speech and communication challenges, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Developed by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost in the 1980s, PECS is designed to enhance communication skills by using a system of exchanging pictures.

What is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

PECS is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that aims to provide individuals with a means of expressing their needs, desires, and thoughts. It is a systematic approach that utilizes visual supports to facilitate communication. The system is based on the principle of functional communication, enabling individuals to initiate and sustain interactions with others.

PECS involves the use of picture cards or symbols that represent desired objects, actions, or concepts. These pictures are presented to the individual in a structured manner, allowing them to exchange the picture for the desired item or outcome. This exchange serves as a form of communication and helps individuals develop meaningful connections with others.

How Does PECS Work?

PECS consists of several phases that guide individuals through the process of communication development. These phases are designed to gradually build and expand communication skills. Here are the main phases of the PECS program:

Phase 1: Communicative Intent: In this initial phase, individuals are taught to initiate communication by exchanging a single picture card to request a desired item or action. They learn the basic concept of communication exchange.
Phase 2: Picture Discrimination: Building upon the skills learned in Phase 1, individuals are introduced to a set of pictures or symbols. They learn to select the appropriate picture from a choice of options to make specific requests.
Phase 3: Sentence Structure: In this phase, individuals begin to construct simple sentences using picture cards. They learn to combine pictures to form meaningful requests or comments, such as "I want cookie" or "I see dog."
Phase 4: Responsive and Spontaneous Communication: The final phase focuses on expanding communication skills to include more varied and complex interactions. Individuals are encouraged to initiate communication in different contexts and respond to questions or comments from others.

By following these phases, individuals using PECS gradually develop their communication abilities, moving from requesting specific items to engaging in more interactive and spontaneous conversations.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) offers a structured and effective approach to communication for individuals with speech and communication challenges. It provides a visual means of expression, fostering independence, social interactions, and increasing overall communication skills.

The Components of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a structured approach to communication that helps individuals with speech and communication challenges express themselves. PECS consists of several distinct phases, each building upon the previous one to promote effective communication. Let's explore the components of PECS:

Phase 1: Communicative Intent

In the first phase of PECS, the focus is on establishing communicative intent. This involves teaching individuals to initiate communication by exchanging a picture of a desired item or activity with a communication partner. The goal is to develop a basic understanding of the cause and effect relationship between communication and obtaining desired outcomes.

During this phase, individuals are encouraged to approach a communication partner, hand them a picture symbol representing what they want, and prompt the partner to respond accordingly. This initial step sets the foundation for the subsequent phases of PECS.

Phase 2: Picture Discrimination

Building upon the skills developed in Phase 1, Phase 2 of PECS involves teaching individuals to discriminate between different picture symbols. The focus is on helping them understand that each picture represents a specific item or action. They learn to select the appropriate picture symbol from an array of options to effectively communicate their needs and wants.

In this phase, individuals are introduced to a variety of picture symbols and engage in activities that require them to choose the correct symbol to request desired items or actions. This helps them develop their visual discrimination skills and expands their ability to communicate using the PECS system.

Phase 3: Sentence Structure

Phase 3 of PECS focuses on introducing sentence structure to enhance communication. Individuals learn to construct simple sentences using a combination of picture symbols and sentence strips. This phase helps them transition from single-word requests to more complex communication by combining symbols to form meaningful sentences.

During this phase, individuals are taught to arrange picture symbols on a sentence strip to create sentences that reflect their specific needs or wants. This expansion of their communication abilities allows for more detailed and accurate expression.

Phase 4: Responsive and Spontaneous Communication

The final phase of PECS emphasizes the development of responsive and spontaneous communication. Individuals are encouraged to use the PECS system not only to make requests but also to respond to questions, initiate conversation, and share information. This phase aims to foster independent and flexible communication skills.

By the end of Phase 4, individuals are expected to use the PECS system fluently, engaging in meaningful interactions with their communication partners. They gain the ability to initiate and respond to a wide range of communication opportunities, promoting social engagement and independence.

The components of PECS work together to provide individuals with a systematic and structured approach to communication. By progressing through each phase, individuals build their communication skills, ultimately enabling them to express their thoughts, needs, and desires more effectively.

Who Can Benefit from PECS?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication tool that can benefit various individuals who face challenges in speech and communication. It is particularly helpful for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those with speech and communication difficulties.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

PECS is widely used as an effective communication strategy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ASD is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction skills. Many individuals with ASD have difficulty using verbal language to express their needs, wants, and ideas.

PECS provides a structured and visual way for individuals with ASD to communicate. By utilizing pictures and a systematic approach, PECS helps individuals with ASD express themselves, make choices, and engage in social interactions. This can greatly improve their quality of life and enhance their ability to connect with others.

Individuals with Speech and Communication Challenges

PECS is not limited to individuals with ASD. It can also benefit individuals who have speech and communication challenges due to various conditions or developmental delays. These individuals may struggle with verbal communication, making it difficult for them to express their thoughts, needs, and desires.

PECS offers an alternative means of communication for individuals with speech and communication challenges. By using visual symbols or pictures, they can effectively communicate their messages and interact with others. This can empower individuals to express themselves, build relationships, and participate more actively in their daily lives.

PECS is a versatile communication tool that can be customized to suit the needs of individuals with different communication abilities. It provides a structured framework for communication and can be adapted to accommodate various skill levels and communication goals.

It is important to note that while PECS can be a valuable tool for individuals with ASD and speech and communication challenges, it is not a replacement for speech therapy or other forms of intervention. Rather, it is a supportive system that complements and enhances existing communication strategies.

By recognizing the potential of PECS and implementing it appropriately, individuals with ASD and speech and communication challenges can benefit from improved communication skills, increased independence, and enhanced social interactions.

The Benefits of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) offers several benefits for individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication. By utilizing visual supports and a structured approach, PECS can enhance communication, promote independence, and increase social interactions.

Facilitating Communication

One of the primary benefits of PECS is its ability to facilitate communication for individuals who struggle with verbal language. PECS provides a visual means of communication, allowing individuals to express their wants, needs, and thoughts effectively.

Through the use of pictures or symbols, PECS enables individuals to communicate their desires by exchanging a visual representation for a desired item or action. This system helps to bridge the gap between nonverbal communication and spoken language, giving individuals a way to express themselves and interact with others.

Promoting Independence

PECS empowers individuals by promoting independence in communication. By using a system of visual supports, individuals can initiate and participate in conversations, make choices, and gain a sense of control over their environment.

Through the structured phases of PECS, individuals gradually develop the skills to independently select and exchange pictures to express their needs and preferences. This increased independence fosters confidence and self-esteem, enabling individuals to actively engage in their daily lives.

Increasing Social Interactions

PECS plays a crucial role in enhancing social interactions for individuals with communication challenges. By providing a visual means of communication, PECS facilitates social exchanges and interactions with peers, family members, and caregivers.

By using PECS, individuals can engage in conversations, request assistance, initiate play, and interact with others more effectively. This leads to improved social connections, increased opportunities for meaningful interactions, and enhanced overall social development.

The benefits of PECS extend beyond communication alone. By facilitating communication, promoting independence, and increasing social interactions, PECS has the potential to transform the lives of individuals who face challenges in verbal expression. With the structured approach and visual supports provided by PECS, individuals can experience improved quality of life and greater inclusion in their communities.

Implementing PECS

Implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) requires careful planning and consistent support. Here, we will explore the key steps involved in getting started with PECS, the importance of training and support, and the need for consistency and reinforcement throughout the process.

Getting Started with PECS

To begin implementing PECS, it is crucial to assess the individual's communication needs and readiness for the system. Here are the initial steps to get started with PECS:

Assessment: Evaluate the individual's current communication skills and determine if PECS is suitable for their needs. This assessment helps identify the starting point for implementing the system.
Consultation: Seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist or a trained professional experienced in PECS. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on the individual's specific communication challenges.
Creating the Communication Book: Develop a communication book or binder that will serve as the central repository for the individual's communication pictures. This book should be organized in a way that is easily accessible and understandable for the individual.
Picture Selection: Choose relevant and motivating pictures to represent desired items, actions, or requests. These pictures should be clear, visually appealing, and easily distinguishable. Consider using real photographs or colorful illustrations that resonate with the individual's interests.

Training and Support

Proper training and ongoing support are essential for successful implementation of PECS. Here's what you need to consider:

Professional Training: Attend workshops or training sessions conducted by certified PECS trainers to learn the principles and strategies of the system. This training equips you with the necessary skills to effectively implement PECS and address any challenges that may arise.
Family and Caregiver Involvement: Involve family members, caregivers, and educators in the training process. They play a crucial role in reinforcing the use of PECS and promoting consistent communication across different environments.
Modeling and Prompting: Initially, individuals may require modeling and prompting to understand and use PECS effectively. Provide clear demonstrations and guidance on how to use the communication book, exchange pictures, and make requests. Gradually fade prompts as the individual becomes more proficient.

Consistency and Reinforcement

Consistency and reinforcement are key factors in the successful implementation of PECS. Here's what you should keep in mind:

Consistent Use: Encourage consistent use of PECS in all relevant environments, such as home, school, and therapy sessions. Consistency helps the individual establish a routine and reinforces the understanding and use of the system.
Reinforcement: Reinforce the use of PECS by providing positive feedback, praise, and rewards when the individual successfully communicates using the system. This reinforces the value of communication and motivates continued use and progress.
Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitor and assess the individual's progress with PECS. Track their ability to initiate communication, expand their vocabulary, and express more complex ideas. Adjust and modify the system as needed to support their evolving communication needs.

By following these steps and ensuring ongoing training, support, consistency, and reinforcement, the implementation of PECS can greatly enhance communication for individuals with speech and communication challenges. Remember, every individual is unique, so it's important to tailor the approach to their specific needs and provide continuous support throughout their communication journey.