Picture Exchange Communication System: A Complete Guide

Are you searching for a way to help someone with communication difficulties express themselves? The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a unique alternative communication system that empowers individuals to communicate their needs and wants. Developed for people with limited or no speech, particularly those on the autism spectrum, this system uses pictures to build a foundation for social communication. It provides a tangible and effective method for individuals to initiate conversations and articulate their thoughts, addressing their most fundamental communication needs.

Understanding the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

The Picture Exchange Communication System is a well-established and structured approach to communication training. Developed in 1985 by Andy Bondy, PhD, and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, it is based on the principles of the Pyramid Approach to Education and applied behavior analysis.

This system is recognized as an evidence-based practice, with substantial research highlighting its success in developing functional communication. The PECS approach is more than just picture pointing; it is a comprehensive system designed to teach spontaneous interaction. Let’s explore what the system is and the principles that make it effective.

What is PECS and how does it work?

Developed by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost at the Delaware Autism Program, the Picture Exchange Communication System helps individuals overcome significant communication challenges. The developers noticed that many traditional methods required a teacher to start an interaction. PECS was created to shift the focus, teaching the student to initiate communication independently.

The process is straightforward. A person learns to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner.” In return, they immediately receive that item. This immediate reinforcement is key to the system’s success.

This method of PECS training avoids verbal prompts, which helps prevent the learner from becoming dependent on cues from others. The goal is to build immediate, self-started communication, giving a voice to those who struggle to express themselves verbally.

Core principles behind PECS

The foundation of PECS lies in the principles of applied behavior analysis. Its main objective is to establish spontaneous and functional communication. The system is designed to teach a person that their actions can lead to a desirable outcome, which encourages them to communicate more often.

The PECS teaching protocol systematically guides a learner toward independent communication using reinforcement strategies. A defining feature is the deliberate avoidance of verbal prompts. Instead of asking, “What do you want?”, the system sets up situations where the individual is motivated to initiate the exchange on their own.

This focus on self-initiation is crucial. It helps build confidence and avoids a common issue where a person waits to be prompted before communicating. The entire process is broken down into structured phases, ensuring that skills are built progressively.

Who Can Benefit from PECS?

While PECS was first designed for young children with autism spectrum disorder, its application has grown significantly. It is now successfully used with individuals of all ages who have various communication disorders and complex communication needs, including developmental delays and traumatic brain injuries.

This makes it a versatile tool in special education and therapy settings. By providing a clear communication path, PECS can unlock potential for many. Below, we’ll look at the specific groups that use PECS and the signs that it might be a good fit for someone you know.

Target populations for PECS use

The primary group that benefits from PECS is individuals on the autism spectrum, especially young children who are just beginning their communication journey. However, its effectiveness extends far beyond this initial population. PECS is a valuable tool for anyone, child or adult, with developmental disabilities that affect their ability to speak.

The system provides a structured form of alternative communication that can reduce frustration and improve social interactions. By exchanging a picture, the user learns a concrete cause-and-effect relationship: “When I do this, I get what I want.”

This empowers individuals who have struggled to make their needs known. Whether for short-term support while speech develops or as a long-term communication method, PECS opens up a world of expression for people with various diagnoses.

Signs that PECS might be helpful for an individual

Are you wondering if PECS is the right choice for someone you support? Certain signs may indicate that this system could be beneficial. If an individual has significant communication challenges and finds it difficult to express their basic wants and needs, PECS offers a starting point.

The success of PECS is often linked to the presence of strong motivators, as the system relies on reinforcing requests. Behavior analysis shows that when communication attempts are successful, they are more likely to be repeated. Consider PECS if you observe the following:

• Limited or no speech development.
• Difficulty initiating social communication.
• Frustration or challenging behaviors that may stem from an inability to communicate.
• A lack of progress with other methods that rely on verbal imitation.

The Six Phases of PECS

The PECS approach is not a single technique but a structured, multi-stage process. The system is broken down into six distinct phases of PECS, each building upon the last. This progressive design ensures that the learner masters one skill before moving on to the next, more complex one.

In the early stages, the focus is purely on the physical act of exchange. As the learner progresses, this alternative communication system teaches them to build sentences and even comment on the world around them. Let’s look closer at what each phase entails.

Overview of each phase

The six phases of PECS systematically build communication from the ground up. The journey begins with a simple, single-picture exchange and advances toward more complex communication, like forming simple sentences and commenting. This structured progression ensures a solid foundation at each step.

Each phase has a specific goal, from learning the mechanics of communication to using it in social contexts. For example, the discrimination of pictures is a critical step that teaches the user to make choices, while later phases like Phase V and Phase VI focus on responding to and initiating social dialogue.

Here is a simple breakdown of the six phases:

Building communication skills through progressive stages

The genius of the PECS system lies in its progressive structure. Each phase is carefully designed to build essential communication skills, not just teach a person to request items. For a nonverbal individual, the process starts with identifying a highly motivating item. The first step involves teaching the physical exchange of a picture for that item with the help of a prompter.

This progression supports overall language development and enhances social interactions. By starting with tangible requests, the system makes communication meaningful and rewarding from the very first exchange. This addresses the core communication needs of the individual in a way that is immediately understandable.

The entire framework, developed by Pyramid Educational Consultants, ensures that learners are not overwhelmed. They master one concept, like initiating a request, before moving on to discriminating between pictures or forming sentences. This step-by-step method is key to building confidence and fostering independent communication.

Implementing PECS in Real-Life Settings

For PECS to be truly effective, it must be integrated into a person’s everyday life. Proper PECS training for parents, teachers, and speech pathologists is essential for consistent and successful implementation of this communication system.

The goal is to make communication accessible everywhere, not just during designated practice times. Whether in a special education classroom or at home, the principles remain the same: create opportunities for communication and honor every attempt. Let’s look at some practical tips for using PECS in different environments.

Tips for using PECS in classrooms

Integrating PECS into a special education classroom can transform the learning environment. The key is to make the system a natural part of the daily routine. When picture cards are always available, students learn that they have a way to communicate their communication needs at any time.

Using principles of applied behavior analysis, teachers can reinforce communication attempts throughout the day, not just during structured lessons. This helps promote spontaneous social communication. For example, a student can use PECS to ask for a specific color of crayon during art class or request a turn on the computer.

To make PECS work in your classroom, try these tips:

• Keep the PECS communication book accessible to the student at all times.
• Incorporate picture cards for various classroom activities, not just preferred snacks or toys.
• Ensure all staff, including aides and substitute teachers, are trained in the PECS protocol.
• Create numerous opportunities for communication throughout the school day.

Strategies for using PECS during therapy sessions

In speech therapy, PECS is a powerful tool for building functional communication. Therapists can structure sessions to target specific phases of the PECS protocol, addressing communication disorders in a systematic way. It is often used as part of an early intervention strategy for children with limited verbal behavior.

PECS can easily be used alongside other therapeutic approaches. For instance, as a student uses a picture to request an item, the therapist can model the spoken word, encouraging vocalization without demanding it. This creates a low-pressure environment for speech development.

Here are some strategies for using PECS in therapy:

• Start by identifying highly motivating items to ensure the student is eager to communicate.
• Contrive situations that require communication, such as placing a desired toy just out of reach.
• Use a delay strategy in Phase IV to encourage vocal attempts after the “I want” card is placed.
• Focus on generalizing skills by practicing with different people and in different locations within the therapy center.

Materials, Tools, and Setup for PECS

Getting started with PECS requires a few specific materials. The core components are the picture cards and a way to organize them for easy access. While you can create many of the materials for PECS yourself, official resources are available.

Pyramid Educational Consultants, the company founded by the creators of PECS, offers official PECS training manuals, communication books, and software for making pictures. Proper setup is crucial for smooth implementation, ensuring the user can find and use their pictures effectively. Let’s review the essential items you will need.

Essential items needed to start PECS

To properly implement the PECS teaching protocol, you will need a specific set of tools. This communication system, first developed as part of the Delaware Autism Program, relies on tangible, organized materials to facilitate learning. Having everything ready before you begin is a key to success.

The central piece of equipment is the PECS communication book. This is typically a ringed binder where picture cards are stored using hook-and-loop fasteners (like Velcro). This setup allows the user to easily remove pictures for exchanges and store them when not in use.

Here are the essential items for your PECS setup:

• A communication book or binder.
• Laminated picture cards representing desired items, activities, and concepts.
• Hook-and-loop fastener strips and dots to attach pictures to the book.
• A detachable sentence strip for building phrases in later phases.

Tips for creating and organizing picture symbols

Creating effective picture symbols is crucial for the PECS approach. The images should be clear, simple, and easily recognizable to the user. You can use photographs, line drawings, or symbols, depending on what the individual understands best. Consulting with speech pathologists can help determine the right style for your learner.

Organization is just as important. The communication book should be arranged logically to help the user find pictures quickly. For example, you might have separate pages for food, toys, places, and people. Pyramid Educational Consultants offers software and pre-made picture sets, but many free resources are also available online.

Consider these tips for your picture symbols:

• Laminate all cards to make them durable for daily use.
• Start with pictures of highly motivating items to meet immediate communication needs.
• Use a consistent size for all your pictures.
• As the user’s vocabulary grows, organize pictures into categories within the book.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a transformative tool that empowers individuals with communication challenges. By understanding its core principles and six progressive phases, you can effectively implement PECS in various settings, from classrooms to therapy sessions. The right materials and strategies can enhance the learning experience and foster meaningful interactions. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or therapist, embracing PECS can make a significant difference in helping individuals express their needs and emotions. If you’re interested in exploring how PECS can benefit you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.