Picture Exchange Communication System
Contents
Picture Exchange Communication System
Basic Characteristics
- Description
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication intervention that is often used for non-verbal ASD children. The child is trained to exchange picture symbols of words with adult communication partners in return for the items (also known as reinforcers). There are six phases of communication in PECS, from the first stage where children are taught to exchange a picture symbol of one item for the item from an adult facilitator, to the last stage where the child can answer questions such as "What do you want?" and can spontaneously make comments and requests.
Very few studies with more than 6 participants have been done to study the effectiveness of PECS in improving communication for children with ASD. The evidence base does support PECS use overall, but actual progress made by a child may depend on the child's developmental age. 1
- History
Criticisms/Notes
References
1. Pasco G et. al. Predicting progress in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) use by children with autism. Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2010 Jun 10. PMID 20536353
- Database links
