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PECS: A Parent’s Guide


The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication method designed to help children with limited or no verbal skills express their needs and thoughts. PECS empowers neurodivergent children to communicate effectively using pictures, reducing frustration and enhancing their ability to connect with others.

This guide will help you understand PECS and how it can benefit your child.

 

What is PECS?

PECS is a structured communication system that uses pictures to teach functional communication. By exchanging pictures for desired items or actions, children learn to communicate in a way that is easy to understand and implement.

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Key Components of PECS:

  • Picture-Based Communication: Uses images or symbols to represent objects, actions, and desires.

  • Step-by-Step Training: Breaks down communication into clear stages, from basic requests to complex sentence construction.

  • Natural Motivation: Encourages communication by linking it to the child’s natural wants and needs.

 

How Does PECS Work?

PECS is taught through six clearly defined phases, ensuring gradual skill-building. Each phase builds on the child’s abilities and expands their communication repertoire.

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Steps in a PECS Program:

  1. Phase 1 - How to Communicate: The child learns to exchange a picture of an item for the actual item.

  2. Phase 2 - Distance and Persistence: The child practices seeking out the picture and bringing it to a communication partner, even across distances.

  3. Phase 3 - Picture Discrimination: The child learns to choose between two or more pictures to request their desired item.

  4. Phase 4 - Sentence Structure: The child combines pictures on a sentence strip to form simple sentences, like “I want [item].”

  5. Phase 5 - Answering Questions: The child learns to respond to questions such as “What do you want?”

  6. Phase 6 - Commenting: The child expands their communication to include comments, such as labeling items or expressing feelings.

 

Example in Practice:
A child who wants a cookie can hand a picture of a cookie to their parent. Over time, they may progress to using a sentence strip with images to say, “I want cookie.”

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Who Can Benefit from PECS?

PECS is primarily used for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, but it can benefit anyone with communication challenges.

 

PECS Can Help With:

  • Teaching communication to non-verbal or minimally verbal children.

  • Reducing frustration by providing a reliable way to express needs.

  • Supporting children with developmental delays, Down syndrome, or speech-language impairments.

 

Benefits of PECS for Parents and Children

For Children:

  • Provides a functional way to communicate.

  • Increases independence and reduces reliance on prompting.

  • Encourages social interaction through communication exchanges.

 

For Parents:

  • Helps understand and respond to their child’s needs effectively.

  • Reduces meltdowns caused by communication barriers.

  • Supports a clear, consistent method for communication at home and in other settings.

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What to Look for in a PECS Program

When implementing PECS, consider the following factors:

  • Qualified Trainers: Work with professionals certified by the PECS creators (Pyramid Educational Consultants).

  • Family Involvement: Look for programs that train and involve parents in the process.

  • Visual Tools: Ensure access to high-quality visual aids, such as picture cards or apps designed for PECS.

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Common Misconceptions About PECS

  1. “PECS prevents speech development.”
    Research shows PECS often supports and enhances speech development by providing a communication foundation.

  2. “PECS is only for young children.”
    PECS can be adapted for individuals of all ages who need support with communication.

  3. “PECS is just about asking for things.”
    While early phases focus on requests, later stages include commenting and more complex interactions.

 

How to Get Started with PECS

  1. Seek Professional Guidance: Certified PECS trainers can provide training and resources to ensure proper implementation.

  2. Gather Materials: Use a PECS communication book, picture cards, or apps to create your child’s personalized system.

  3. Practice at Home: Incorporate PECS into everyday activities to make communication natural and consistent.

 

Parent Tips for Success

  • Be Patient: Progress takes time, especially as children move through the phases.

  • Incorporate Interests: Use pictures of items your child loves to keep them motivated.

  • Reinforce Communication: Always respond positively to your child’s use of PECS to build confidence.

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Resources for Parents

 

Recommended Reading:

  • Frost, L., & Bondy, A. (2002). The Picture Exchange Communication System Training Manual. Pyramid Educational Consultants.

  • Bondy, A., & Frost, L. (1994). PECS: A Model for Enhancing Communication. The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps.

 

Final Thoughts

PECS is a powerful tool that helps neurodivergent children find their voice. With a structured approach and support from parents and professionals, children can build meaningful connections and improve their quality of life through effective communication.

For more details or support, visit our PECS Resources Page or contact a certified PECS trainer today.

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