Picture exchange communication system

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that is used to teach communication skills to individuals with speech and language impairments, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed by Lori Frost and Andrew S. Bondy in 1985, PECS begins with teaching an individual to exchange a picture of a desired item with a communicative partner for that item. By doing so, the individual learns a basic form of communication that can be expanded into more complex forms, including constructing sentences.

Overview

PECS is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is designed to teach functional communication with an initial focus on spontaneous communication. The system is implemented in six phases, with each phase building upon the skills learned in the previous one. The ultimate goal of PECS is to provide individuals who have difficulties with speech development a means of communication that is independent of their speech capabilities.

Phases of PECS

1. Phase I: How to Communicate - Individuals learn to exchange a single picture for an item or activity they really want.
2. Phase II: Distance and Persistence - Teaches individuals to be persistent communicators, able to use pictures to communicate across distance and in different places.
3. Phase III: Picture Discrimination - Individuals learn to select from two or more pictures to ask for their favorite things. These pictures are placed in a communication book—a binder with Velcro strips where pictures are stored and easily accessible.
4. Phase IV: Sentence Structure - Individuals learn to construct simple sentences on a detachable sentence strip using an "I want" picture followed by a picture of the item they are requesting.
5. Phase V: Answering Questions - Teaches individuals to use PECS to answer questions, such as "What do you want?"
6. Phase VI: Commenting - Introduces individuals to commenting in response to questions like "What do you see?", "What do you hear?" and "What is it?"

Benefits

The Picture Exchange Communication System has been shown to offer several benefits for individuals with communication challenges:

• Promotes independent communication
• Can be used by individuals of all ages
• Encourages social interaction
• Reduces frustration and behavior problems associated with the inability to communicate
• Can serve as a stepping stone to other forms of communication, including speech

Implementation

For PECS to be most effective, it should be implemented consistently across all environments, including home, school, and the community. Training for caregivers, educators, and other professionals is crucial for successful implementation. PECS workshops and training sessions are available to help these individuals learn how to effectively use the system.

Criticism

While PECS is widely used and has been beneficial for many individuals, some critics argue that it may delay speech development in some children. However, research indicates that PECS can lead to gains in speech for many users, and it is often used as a complementary approach alongside other speech and language interventions.

This communication related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.