What Is Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

Discover how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can help non-verbal individuals communicate effectively. Improve their quality of life today!

November 16, 2023

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

In the world of communication disabilities, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a valuable tool that enables individuals to express themselves effectively. PECS is a communication approach that uses pictures to facilitate communication for individuals who may have difficulty with speech or language.

What is Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

The Picture Exchange Communication System, commonly known as PECS, is a communication method developed for individuals with limited verbal communication abilities. It provides an alternative means of communication by using pictures or symbols to convey messages, needs, and desires. PECS was initially designed for individuals with autism, but it has also proven to be beneficial for individuals with other communication challenges.

PECS operates on the principle that communication is a fundamental human right, and every individual should have the means to express themselves effectively. By using a system of symbols, individuals are empowered to initiate communication and interact with others in their environment.

How Does PECS Work?

PECS follows a structured and systematic approach to foster communication skills. The process typically involves several stages, starting from the acquisition of basic communication skills and gradually progressing towards more complex language development. Here is a brief overview of the general steps involved in the PECS process:

Initiation: The individual is taught to initiate communication by exchanging a single picture of a desired item with a communication partner, such as a family member, teacher, or therapist.
Exchange: The individual learns to give the picture to the communication partner in exchange for the desired item or activity. This step helps develop the concept of communication as a means of requesting.
Distance and Persistence: The individual is encouraged to generalize the communication skills by using PECS in various settings and with different communication partners. This promotes independence and flexibility in using the system.
Discrimination: The individual learns to discriminate between different pictures/symbols and use the appropriate one to convey specific messages or requests.
Sentence Structure: As the individual becomes more proficient with PECS, they are taught to construct longer and more complex sentences using a combination of pictures/symbols.

Throughout the PECS process, consistent training and support are crucial. The involvement of family, caregivers, and therapists is essential in reinforcing the use of PECS and promoting its successful implementation in everyday life.

By understanding the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and its underlying principles, individuals with communication disabilities can find a pathway to effective communication, independence, and a greater sense of connection with those around them.

Benefits of PECS Communication

Implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can have several benefits for individuals with communication disabilities. This section explores two key benefits: enhancing communication skills and promoting independence and empowerment.

Enhancing Communication Skills

PECS is designed to improve communication skills by providing a structured system for individuals to express their wants, needs, and thoughts. Through the use of PECS symbols (visual representations of objects, actions, and concepts), individuals can effectively communicate their messages.

One of the significant advantages of PECS is its flexibility. It can be adapted to accommodate individuals with varying communication abilities and preferences. The system allows individuals to start with simple requests and gradually progress to more complex messages. This progression promotes the development of language skills and encourages individuals to expand their communication abilities over time.

By actively engaging in PECS, individuals can improve their expressive and receptive communication skills. They learn to understand the meaning of symbols, associate them with objects or actions, and use them to initiate and maintain interactions with others. This increased communication ability can greatly enhance social interactions, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Promoting Independence and Empowerment

PECS empowers individuals by giving them a reliable and functional means of communication. By providing a visual representation of their thoughts and desires, individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes and express their preferences. This fosters a sense of independence and autonomy, allowing individuals to have more control over their lives.

Furthermore, PECS promotes self-advocacy. By using the system consistently, individuals become more confident in expressing their needs and wants to others. This newfound ability to advocate for themselves can lead to increased self-esteem and a greater sense of empowerment.

The benefits of PECS extend beyond the individual using the system. Family members, caregivers, and educators also benefit from the improved communication skills of the individual. Clearer communication reduces frustration and misunderstandings, leading to more effective support and a better understanding of the individual's needs.

By enhancing communication skills and promoting independence and empowerment, PECS provides a valuable tool for individuals with communication disabilities to effectively express themselves and actively participate in various aspects of life.

Getting Started with PECS

To embark on the journey of utilizing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), it is essential to understand the initial steps involved in implementing this powerful communication tool. This section focuses on assessing communication needs and creating a PECS communication system tailored to individual requirements.

Assessing Communication Needs

Before starting with PECS, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual's communication needs. This assessment helps determine the appropriate starting point and the necessary adaptations to facilitate effective communication.

The assessment process involves evaluating the individual's current communication abilities, preferences, and challenges. This can be done by observing their communication attempts, interactions, and behaviors across various settings. Additionally, consulting with professionals such as speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists experienced in PECS can provide valuable insights.

By assessing communication needs, it becomes possible to identify the communication goals, select appropriate PECS strategies, and set realistic expectations for progress. Each individual's unique communication profile will guide the development of a personalized PECS plan.

Creating a PECS Communication System

Once the communication needs have been assessed, the next step is to create a personalized PECS communication system. This involves selecting and organizing PECS symbols that will serve as the basis for communication.

PECS symbols can be pictures, photographs, or even tangible objects that represent desired items, actions, or concepts. These symbols serve as a visual representation of communication and help individuals with communication disabilities to express their wants, needs, and thoughts.

To create a PECS communication system, follow these steps:

Selecting Symbols: Choose symbols that are meaningful to the individual and relevant to their everyday life. Start with a small set of symbols that represent highly preferred items or activities.
Organizing Symbols: Arrange the PECS symbols in a manner that is easily accessible and understandable to the individual. This can be done using a communication book, a PECS binder, or a communication app on a tablet or smartphone. Ensure that the symbols are organized in a clear and consistent manner.
Teaching the Exchange: Introduce the concept of exchanging symbols for desired items or actions. Initially, this may involve physically guiding the individual's hand to select and hand over a symbol. Gradually, encourage them to initiate and complete the exchange independently.
Expanding the Vocabulary: As the individual becomes comfortable with the PECS system, gradually introduce new symbols to expand their vocabulary and communication opportunities. This allows for continuous growth and the development of more complex messages.

Remember, the creation of a PECS communication system should be a collaborative process involving the individual, their family, and professionals experienced in PECS. Ongoing assessment and adjustments to the system are essential to ensure it remains effective and meets the individual's evolving communication needs.

By assessing communication needs and creating a personalized PECS system, individuals with communication disabilities can begin their journey towards improved communication and greater independence.

Using PECS in Everyday Life

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can be a valuable tool for communication in various settings. Whether at home, school, or in the community, implementing PECS can greatly enhance communication for individuals with communication disabilities. Let's explore how PECS can be used in everyday life.

Implementing PECS at Home

Implementing PECS at home creates a consistent and supportive environment for individuals using this communication system. Here are some key steps to consider when using PECS at home:

Assessing Communication Needs: Evaluate the specific communication needs of the individual. This can involve observing their current communication methods and determining how PECS can supplement or replace those methods.
Creating a PECS Communication System: Establish a PECS system tailored to the individual's needs. This includes creating a collection of PECS symbols that represent a range of desired objects, activities, and requests. These symbols can be easily accessed and exchanged to facilitate communication.
Training and Consistency: Provide training and support to family members, caregivers, and others involved in the individual's daily life. Consistency is key in using PECS effectively. Encourage everyone to use the system consistently and reinforce its implementation.

PECS in School and Community Settings

PECS can also play a significant role in school and community settings. Here's how PECS can be used effectively outside of the home:

Collaboration with Educational Professionals: Work closely with teachers, speech therapists, and other educational professionals to integrate PECS into the individual's educational plan. This collaboration ensures that the communication system is well-supported and used consistently across different environments.
Creating a PECS Routine: Establish a routine that incorporates PECS in various activities throughout the school day. This can involve using PECS symbols during classroom instruction, social interactions, and transitions between activities. By integrating PECS into the daily routine, individuals can effectively communicate their needs and preferences.
Encouraging Growth and Progress: Continuously monitor the individual's progress with PECS and make necessary adjustments to support their communication development. Encourage the use of more complex sentences and expand the vocabulary of PECS symbols to facilitate more sophisticated communication.

This will provide you with further information to enhance your understanding and implementation of PECS in different settings.

By embracing PECS in everyday life, individuals with communication disabilities can experience improved communication, increased independence, and greater participation in social interactions. Whether at home, school, or in the community, PECS empowers individuals to express themselves effectively and engage with the world around them.

Supporting the PECS User

When it comes to using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), providing consistent support and encouragement is key to fostering effective communication. Here are two important aspects of supporting individuals who use PECS: training and consistency and encouraging growth and progress.

Training and Consistency

For individuals using PECS, training is an essential component of successful implementation. Caregivers, educators, and therapists should receive proper training to understand the principles and techniques of PECS. This includes learning about the stages of PECS, the use of PECS symbols, and strategies for effective communication exchange. Training programs and workshops are available to provide comprehensive guidance on using PECS effectively.

In addition to training, maintaining consistency in the use of PECS is crucial. Consistency helps individuals using PECS to develop a clear understanding of the system and its use. It also ensures that communication partners consistently respond to and reinforce the communication attempts made through PECS. This consistency can be achieved by implementing PECS across various environments, such as home, school, and community settings.

Encouraging Growth and Progress

Supporting individuals who use PECS involves not only providing the necessary tools but also encouraging their growth and progress in communication. This can be achieved through various strategies and approaches:

Modeling: Communication partners can model the use of PECS by consistently using the system themselves. By demonstrating how to initiate and respond to exchanges using PECS symbols, individuals using PECS can learn through observation and imitation.
Expanding Vocabulary: Continuously expanding the vocabulary available through PECS is important. This can be done by introducing new symbols, words, and concepts that align with an individual's interests, needs, and environment. Regularly updating the PECS system ensures that individuals have the means to express themselves effectively.
Positive Reinforcement: Providing positive reinforcement is essential for encouraging individuals using PECS. This can be in the form of praise, rewards, or other preferred incentives. Celebrating their communication achievements and progress helps to build their confidence and motivation to continue using PECS.
Collaboration: Collaboration between all individuals involved in the individual's life—such as parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists—is crucial. Regular communication and sharing of information can help identify areas of improvement and tailor support to individual needs.

By focusing on training and consistency, as well as encouraging growth and progress, individuals using PECS can develop their communication skills and gain more independence in expressing their wants, needs, and thoughts. Remember, PECS is a dynamic system that evolves with the individual, so continuous support and adjustments are key to maximizing its benefits.

Resources for PECS Communication

As you explore the world of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), it's helpful to have access to various resources that can support and enhance your understanding and implementation of this communication method. Here are two key types of resources that can assist you on your PECS journey: books and guides and online resources and communities.

Books and Guides

Books and guides on PECS provide in-depth knowledge and practical guidance for individuals with communication disabilities, their families, and professionals. These resources offer valuable insights into the principles and techniques of PECS, helping you navigate the process of implementing this communication system effectively.

Here are a few recommended books and guides on PECS:

Title	Author
"The Picture Exchange Communication System Training Manual"	Lori Frost and Andrew Bondy
"Implementing PECS: Successful Teaching Strategies for Autism and other Communication Difficulties"	Andy Bondy and Lori Frost
"PECS: The Manual"	Pyramid Educational Consultants

These resources can serve as comprehensive references, offering step-by-step instructions, real-life examples, and practical strategies for using PECS in various settings. They can be an excellent starting point for individuals looking to learn more about PECS and its potential benefits. Remember to check your local library, bookstore, or online retailers for availability.

Online Resources and Communities

In addition to books and guides, online resources and communities provide a wealth of information and a platform for individuals to connect and share their experiences with PECS. These resources can be particularly helpful for individuals seeking up-to-date information, tips, and support from others who have firsthand experience with PECS.

Websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to PECS can provide access to a wide range of articles, videos, and downloadable materials. They often cover topics such as PECS symbols, PECS training, and practical strategies for implementing PECS in various environments. Online communities also offer the opportunity to ask questions, share success stories, and connect with others who are on a similar PECS journey.

Remember to exercise caution when utilizing online resources, ensuring that you rely on reputable and trustworthy sources. Here are a few reliable websites to get you started:

Picture Exchange Communication System: This website provides an overview of PECS and its applications, making it a valuable resource for individuals interested in learning more about PECS.
PECS Autism: This website focuses specifically on PECS for individuals on the autism spectrum, offering insights and support for using PECS as a communication tool.
PECS Training: This resource provides information about PECS training programs and workshops, which can be beneficial for individuals looking to deepen their understanding and implementation of PECS.

By utilizing books, guides, online resources, and communities, you can expand your knowledge of PECS, gain insights from experienced individuals, and discover practical strategies for effective communication. Remember, every individual's journey with PECS is unique, and it's important to find resources that resonate with your specific needs and goals.

FAQs

Is PECS only for children with autism?

No, PECS can be used by individuals of all ages and abilities who have trouble with verbal communication.

How long does it take to learn PECS?

The length of time it takes to learn PECS varies depending on the individual's needs and abilities. However, most individuals can start using the system within a few weeks of starting training.

Do I need special training to use PECS?

Yes, it is recommended that you receive training from a certified PECS trainer before implementing the system. This will ensure that you are using the system correctly and effectively.

Can I customize the pictures in the system?

Yes, one of the benefits of PECS is that it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. You can create your own pictures or symbols to represent items or ideas that are relevant to the individual.

What happens if an individual doesn't want to use PECS?

It is important to remember that individuals have their own preferences when it comes to communication. If an individual does not want to use PECS, it may be helpful to explore other options and find a system that works for them.