PECS
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Kimberly Dale
Language Paper
April 10, 2013
Communication is a skill that many of us take for granted. However for a person with autism or any other kind of disability, communicating can be extremely difficult and frustrating. The Picture Exchange Communication System, also known as PECS, allows children with autism who have little or no communication abilities, a means of communicating non-verbally. Children using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item. By doing so, the child is able to initiate communication. The child with autism can use PECS to communicate a request, a thought, or anything that can reasonably be displayed or symbolized on a picture card. PECS works well at home or in the classroom. (Bondy & Frost, 1992)
A child can be trained in PECS by a parent, caregiver, or a therapist who has learned about the PECS method. An applied behavior analysis approach is used in which prompts are given to guide the picture exchange. In the early phases of PECS training, the child chooses a picture of a desired food and is given the food in exchange for the picture. Getting the food is the positive reinforcement for using the picture to communicate. PECS is usually taught in six phases as described below. The only prerequisite to the use of PECS is choosing an item or activity that the individual really likes.
“Phase One: The communication partner makes a list of the child’s favorite items (usually beginning with foods). One of these items is selected for the first training session, and a picture of the item is made. That item can be placed under a clear container, so the child can see it, but not get it. If the child looks interested in the item, the communication partner gives the child the picture card. Then the child is prompted to hand the picture card back to the communication partner. Once
Kimberly Dale
Language Paper
April 10, 2013
Communication is a skill that many of us take for granted. However for a person with autism or any other kind of disability, communicating can be extremely difficult and frustrating. The Picture Exchange Communication System, also known as PECS, allows children with autism who have little or no communication abilities, a means of communicating non-verbally. Children using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item. By doing so, the child is able to initiate communication. The child with autism can use PECS to communicate a request, a thought, or anything that can reasonably be displayed or symbolized on a picture card. PECS works well at home or in the classroom. (Bondy & Frost, 1992)
A child can be trained in PECS by a parent, caregiver, or a therapist who has learned about the PECS method. An applied behavior analysis approach is used in which prompts are given to guide the picture exchange. In the early phases of PECS training, the child chooses a picture of a desired food and is given the food in exchange for the picture. Getting the food is the positive reinforcement for using the picture to communicate. PECS is usually taught in six phases as described below. The only prerequisite to the use of PECS is choosing an item or activity that the individual really likes.
“Phase One: The communication partner makes a list of the child’s favorite items (usually beginning with foods). One of these items is selected for the first training session, and a picture of the item is made. That item can be placed under a clear container, so the child can see it, but not get it. If the child looks interested in the item, the communication partner gives the child the picture card. Then the child is prompted to hand the picture card back to the communication partner. Once
References: Bondy, A., & Frost, L. (1992). Pyramid educational consultants. Retrieved from http://www.pecsusa.com/company.php Pullen, L. (2006). Healing thresholds autism therapy. Retrieved from ” http://autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs?page=5 Wikipedia. (n.d.). Picture exchange communication system. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picture_Exchange_Communication_System Tien, K-C. (2008). Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System as a functional communication intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A practice-based research synthesis. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 61-76. Charlop-Christy, M.H., Carpenter, M., et al. (2002). Using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) with children with autism: assessment of PECS acquisition, speech, social-communicative behavior, and problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, 35(3): 213-231. Tincani, M. & Devis, K. (2010). Quantitative synthesis and component analysis of single-participant studies on the Picture Exchange Communication System. Remediation and Special Education (Online First), 1-13. Ganz, J. B., & Simpson, R. L. (2004). Effects on Communicative Requesting and Speech Development of the Picture Exchange Communication System in Children with Characteristics of Autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 34, 395-409. Horton, C., Matteo, J. A., Waegenaere, J., & Frost, L. (2008). Pecs: Fact and fiction. Presentation delivered at the 2008 ASHA Convention. Retrieved from www.asha.org/Events/convention/handouts/2008/1528_Frost_Lori/ p. 5