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Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication. It is typically used as an aid in communication for children with autism and other special needs. The system has been used with a variety of ages including preschoolers, adolescents and adults who have a wide array of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties. Recent literature reviews have supported PECS as an evidence-based practice. [1]
Communicating Without Language
How do you communicate with a person who has no ability to talk or use sign language? Many people with autism communicate using picture cards. Whether cut from magazine, printed out from CD's, or purchased as a set, picture cards offer autistic individuals the ability to communicate needs, desires, and even ideas without the need for spoken language.
Since many people on the autism spectrum tend to learn visually, it makes good sense to communicate with images. Just as important, images are a universal means of communication -- and they are just as understandable by strangers or young peers as by parents or therapists.
Visual Supports
PECs
[ by Jason M. Wallin ]
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an augmentative communication system developed to help individuals quickly acquire a functional means of communication (Bondy and Frost, 1994). PECS is appropriate for individuals who do not use speech or who may speak with limited effectiveness: those who have articulation or motor planning difficulties, limited communicative partners, lack of initiative in communication, etc.
In my experience, PECS has a number of advantages over other methods of addressing communication:
Each exchange is clearly intentional and readily understood. When a child hands you a picture or sentence strip, the request or comment is quickly determined. The child is given an effective avenue for swiftly and easily meeting his needs.
From the start, communication is initiated by the child. Children are not drilled in rote responses to specific phrases or instructions, rather they are encouraged to independently seek out communication partners in naturally occurring settings.
How to Create a PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Chart
PECS is a way to communicate with children who have a delay in speech. Each PECS package is as individual as people are so make it fun!