What Is Picture Exchange Communication System?

Understanding Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a unique augmentative/alternative communication intervention package developed in 1985 for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. PECS has proven to be successful in teaching individuals with limited functional speech to initiate communication [1]. It is a form of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) designed specifically for children with autistic spectrum disorder and individuals with learning difficulties who are non-verbal.

What is PECS?

PECS is a communication system that involves the individual exchanging a picture with a communication partner to effectively convey their needs, wants, and thoughts. The system aims to provide a visual representation of language, allowing individuals with limited verbal abilities to communicate in a functional and meaningful way. PECS is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis and focuses on developing spontaneous communication.

How Does PECS Work?

PECS training involves a structured approach that progresses through different stages of communication development. There are typically six phases involved in the PECS training protocol, each building upon the previous one [1]. These phases emphasize prompting strategies to teach initiation and gradually increase the complexity of communication skills.

Here is an overview of the six phases of PECS:

1. Phase 1: The Basics of PECS: The individual is taught to exchange a single picture for a desired item or activity. They learn how to initiate communication by giving the picture to their communication partner.
2. Phase 2: Expanding Communication: The focus shifts to expanding the individual's vocabulary. They learn to discriminate between different pictures and request specific items or actions using a variety of pictures.
3. Phase 3: Responding to Questions: The individual is taught to respond to questions by selecting the appropriate picture. This phase helps develop their receptive language skills.
4. Phase 4: Sentence Structure: The individual learns to construct simple sentences using sentence strips or a communication book, combining different pictures to convey more complex messages.
5. Phase 5: Responsive and Spontaneous Commenting: The focus shifts to teaching the individual to comment on their environment and initiate communication without prompts.
6. Phase 6: Abstract and Advanced Communication: This final phase involves teaching the individual to use PECS for more abstract concepts, emotions, and more advanced communication skills.

Each phase of PECS training is carefully tailored to the individual's abilities and progresses at their own pace. The goal is to provide them with a functional communication system that can be used in various environments and situations.

Understanding the basics of PECS sets the foundation for exploring the benefits and implementation of this communication system for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities.

Benefits of Implementing PECS

Implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can have numerous benefits for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other communication difficulties. Let's explore two key advantages of using PECS: enhancing communication skills and reducing challenging behaviors.

Enhancing Communication Skills

PECS has proven to be successful in teaching individuals with limited functional speech to initiate communication [3]. By using visual supports and a systematic approach, PECS helps individuals express their needs, wants, and thoughts effectively.

Research conducted by St. Cloud State University has shown that the use of PECS results in increased spontaneous communication initiation in children with ASD. This highlights the potential of PECS to enhance verbal communication skills and overall social interactions.

Furthermore, by providing a structured and visual method of communication, PECS promotes independence and autonomy in individuals with autism. It allows them to communicate their desires and interact with others more confidently, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Reducing Challenging Behaviors

In addition to enhancing communication skills, the use of PECS has been found to reduce undesirable behaviors and increase social interaction. By giving individuals a means to express themselves, PECS can help reduce frustration and anxiety often associated with communication difficulties.

The structured nature of PECS also provides a clear and predictable communication system, which can help individuals with autism understand and navigate their environment better. This improved understanding can lead to a reduction in challenging behaviors, as individuals feel more supported and empowered.

Moreover, as individuals become more proficient in using PECS, it can encourage the use of spoken language, further aiding in their overall linguistic development. PECS serves as a bridge to verbal communication, helping individuals transition from visual supports to spoken language when they are ready.

By enhancing communication skills and reducing challenging behaviors, PECS plays a vital role in improving the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other communication difficulties. It provides them with a valuable tool to express themselves, engage with others, and navigate the world with greater confidence and independence.

The Six Phases of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) follows a structured training protocol consisting of six phases. Each phase has specific objectives and teaching strategies, gradually building upon the previous phase to enhance communication skills for individuals with autism. Let's explore each phase in detail.

Phase 1: The Basics of PECS

In the initial phase, the focus is on teaching the basic principles of PECS. This includes teaching the individual to exchange a single picture for a desired item or activity. The training format involves three individuals: the message sender, the receiver, and a facilitator. The sender selects a picture, gives it to the receiver, and the receiver hands the picture to the facilitator in exchange for the desired item or activity. The objectives of Phase 1 include:

• Initiating communication through picture exchange.
• Building motivation for requesting desired items or activities.
• Developing basic discrimination skills.

Phase 2: Expanding Communication

In this phase, the focus shifts towards expanding the individual's communication abilities. The individual is taught to use a range of pictures to request items or activities in different environments. The objectives of Phase 2 include:

• Expanding the vocabulary by introducing a variety of pictures.
• Generalizing communication skills across different settings.
• Promoting spontaneous initiation of communication.

Phase 3: Responding to Questions

Phase 3 involves teaching the individual how to respond to questions using the PECS system. The individual learns to select appropriate pictures to answer questions posed by communication partners. This phase helps in developing conversational skills and promoting interactive communication. The objectives of Phase 3 include:

• Responding to simple questions using picture-based responses.
• Understanding and differentiating between different types of questions.
• Encouraging reciprocal communication exchanges.

The six phases of PECS continue beyond Phase 3, progressing to more advanced communication skills such as commenting, initiating social interactions, and constructing sentences with more complexity. Each phase builds upon the previous one, ensuring a systematic and structured approach to developing communication skills for individuals with autism [5]. It is important to note that the progression through the phases may vary for each individual based on their learning pace and needs.

By following the PECS training protocol, individuals with autism can gradually develop their communication skills, gain independence, and engage in meaningful interactions with others. The structured nature of the program and the use of visual supports provide a reliable framework for individuals with autism to communicate effectively and confidently.

Implementing PECS in Various Settings

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can be implemented in different settings to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other communication challenges. Whether it's in educational settings or at home, PECS provides a structured approach to enhance communication and promote social interactions.

PECS in Educational Settings

PECS has been widely implemented in educational settings worldwide for learners of different ages who have a range of cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. Research findings suggest that PECS is an effective alternative communication strategy for children with ASD in educational settings. It has been shown to reduce challenging behaviors and improve social-communication skills.

The implementation of PECS in educational settings can have a positive impact on the communication and social skills development of children with ASD. It enables them to better interact with their peers and teachers, leading to improved overall interactions and learning experiences. PECS provides a visual support system that helps individuals with ASD to initiate and engage in communication more spontaneously, enhancing verbal communication skills and fostering social interactions.

PECS at Home

PECS can also be implemented effectively in the home environment. It can be easily incorporated into daily routines and activities to support communication development for individuals with ASD and related conditions. By using visual supports and the PECS system, parents and caregivers can facilitate communication and foster independent communication skills in their children.

Implementing PECS at home involves creating a structured environment with visual supports, such as PECS cards, to enhance communication opportunities. This system allows individuals with ASD to express their needs, wants, and thoughts effectively, reducing frustration and enhancing their ability to communicate with family members and caregivers. By consistently using PECS at home, individuals with ASD can develop their communication skills and gain more independence in various aspects of their lives.

Whether in educational settings or at home, the implementation of PECS provides individuals with ASD the tools they need to communicate effectively and engage in social interactions. By incorporating PECS into daily routines and activities, individuals with ASD can make significant progress in their communication skills and overall quality of life.

Training and Resources for PECS

To effectively implement the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and support individuals with autism in developing their communication skills, training and resources are available. These resources equip parents, caregivers, and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for successful PECS implementation.

PECS Training Workshops

PECS Level 1 Training workshops are available for both professional groups and parents/family members. These workshops provide an in-depth understanding of the PECS protocol, strategies for effective implementation, and guidance on troubleshooting common challenges. The workshops are designed to equip participants with the skills necessary for implementing the PECS protocol with fidelity [7].

The PECS Level 1 Training is a two-day interactive course that establishes a solid foundation in the principles and protocol for successful PECS implementation. It covers topics such as the six phases of PECS, teaching strategies, and data collection. By attending these training workshops, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to support individuals with autism in using PECS effectively.

Additional Resources for PECS Implementation

In addition to training workshops, there are various resources available to further support the implementation of PECS. These resources provide additional information, guidance, and materials to enhance the communication skills of individuals with autism.

• PECS Materials: PECS-specific materials, such as picture cards, communication books, and visual schedules, are essential for implementing the PECS protocol. These materials can be obtained from specialized suppliers or created using templates available online. They are designed to support individuals in exchanging pictures to communicate their desires and needs.
• Online Forums and Support Groups: Online forums and support groups dedicated to PECS implementation can be valuable resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals. These platforms allow individuals to connect, share experiences, seek advice, and exchange ideas with others who are implementing PECS in different settings.
• Books and Publications: There are several books and publications available that provide detailed information on PECS, its implementation, and strategies for supporting communication development in individuals with autism. These resources offer a deeper understanding of the PECS protocol and can serve as a reference guide for effective implementation.
• Certified PECS Consultants: Certified PECS consultants, who have extensive experience and training in implementing PECS with fidelity, can provide additional guidance and support. These professionals are equipped with knowledge and expertise in adapting the PECS protocol to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism.

It is important to note that the successful implementation of PECS requires adherence to the protocol and the stages of the program. While some adaptations may be made to accommodate individual needs, following the complete PECS protocol is crucial for optimal outcomes in communication training. Training and resources play a vital role in ensuring that individuals with autism receive the support they need to effectively utilize PECS in various environments, such as home, educational settings, and social interactions.

References

[1]: https://pecsusa.com/pecs/[2]: https://www.slt.co.uk/speech-language-and-communication/one-to-one-therapy/picture-exchange-communication-system/[3]: https://pecsusa.com/pecs[4]: https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/what-is-the-picture-exchange-communication-system-or-pecs.html[5]: https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/using-speech/picture-exchange-communication-systems-pecs/[6]: https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=sped_etds&httpsredir=1&referer=[7]: https://pecsusa.com/training/pecs-level-1/