Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Understanding PECS

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely recognized and effective communication system that utilizes pictures to facilitate communication, particularly for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. Developed in the early 1980s by Andrew Bondy, Ph.D., and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP, PECS is rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to teach children with communication difficulties how to initiate communication using pictures.

What is PECS?

PECS is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that enables non-verbal individuals to express their needs, wants, and ideas using visual symbols. It provides a structured approach to develop functional communication skills and promote independence. PECS is highly flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, accommodating a wide range of abilities and communication goals.

The Development of PECS

PECS was first developed in the early 1980s by Bondy and Frost at the Delaware Autistic Program. The system was created to address the communication challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has since been utilized for various developmental disabilities and age groups.

The Six Phases of PECS

PECS employs a systematic approach that progresses through six distinct phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, gradually expanding the individual's communication skills:

Phase Description

• Phase 1: The individual learns to exchange a picture of a desired item for the actual item [2].
• Phase 2: The individual learns to use the picture to request a desired item or action by giving the picture to a communication partner.
• Phase 3: The individual learns to generalize the use of PECS in different environments and with various communication partners.
• Phase 4: The individual learns to use sentence structure by expanding their communication to combine pictures and create longer messages.
• Phase 5: The individual learns to respond to questions using pictures, expanding their ability to engage in conversations [3].
• Phase 6: The individual learns to initiate spontaneous communication by commenting on items, people, or activities using pictures.

By progressing through these phases, individuals using PECS can develop functional communication skills and enhance their ability to express themselves effectively.

Understanding PECS, its development, and the six phases provides a foundation for exploring the benefits, implementation, and future directions of this powerful communication system.

Benefits of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has proven to be an effective tool in improving communication skills and enhancing the lives of individuals with communication difficulties. Let's explore some of the key benefits of implementing PECS.

Improving Communication Skills

PECS has been shown to significantly improve communication skills in individuals with communication difficulties, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, speech delays, or cognitive impairments. It provides a structured and visual method for individuals to express their needs, wants, and thoughts. By using visual symbols, individuals can learn to initiate communication, make requests, and engage in functional conversations.

The use of PECS encourages individuals to develop their expressive language skills, expand their vocabulary, and increase their sentence length. As individuals become more proficient in using PECS, they may transition to using verbal language or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. PECS serves as a stepping stone towards developing effective communication abilities.

Reducing Frustration and Challenging Behaviors

For individuals with communication difficulties, the inability to effectively express their needs and wants can lead to frustration and challenging behaviors. PECS addresses this challenge by providing a visual means of communication. By using PECS, individuals can communicate their desires, leading to a decrease in frustration and the occurrence of challenging behaviors.

Research has shown that implementing PECS can lead to a reduction in problem behaviors and an increase in positive social interactions. By empowering individuals to express themselves, PECS promotes self-confidence, independence, and a sense of control over their environment.

Promoting Social Interaction and Independence

One of the remarkable benefits of PECS is its ability to promote social interaction and independence. By using visual symbols to communicate, individuals can initiate and participate in social exchanges. PECS allows individuals to engage in conversations, interact with peers, and build meaningful connections with others.

Moreover, PECS enables individuals to become more independent in expressing their needs and making choices. It empowers individuals to take an active role in their daily lives, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-determination. Through the use of PECS, individuals can advocate for themselves, make decisions, and actively participate in their communities.

The benefits of PECS extend to individuals with a wide range of communicative and cognitive abilities, not limited to those with profound disabilities. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of PECS in improving communication skills, vocabulary development, and social connections for individuals with various levels of cognitive functioning. By embracing PECS, individuals can unlock their potential and gain the ability to effectively communicate and engage with the world around them.

Implementing PECS

When it comes to implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), it is essential to tailor the approach to the individual's unique needs, provide adequate training and support, and consider the different settings in which PECS can be utilized.

Tailoring PECS to Individual Needs

PECS is a highly flexible communication system that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual. It can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of communication abilities, allowing users to express basic needs or convey complex thoughts and emotions. The system can be personalized by selecting relevant pictures or symbols that resonate with the individual, ensuring that they can effectively communicate their desires and intentions.

By tailoring PECS to individual needs, users can gain a sense of empowerment and independence, as they are provided with a means to effectively express themselves and engage in meaningful interactions.

Training and Support for Successful Implementation

To ensure successful implementation of PECS, it is crucial for individuals involved in the process to receive proper training and ongoing support. This includes professionals, parents, caregivers, teachers, siblings, and peers. Training programs typically focus on teaching individuals how to effectively use and implement PECS strategies.

By receiving comprehensive training, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the principles behind PECS, learn how to support and encourage communication using the system, and address any challenges that may arise during implementation. Ongoing support is equally important to ensure consistency and reinforce effective communication skills.

PECS in Different Settings

PECS can be implemented in various settings, including schools, homes, and community environments, providing individuals with the ability to communicate their needs, wants, and ideas. The system is designed to be portable, allowing for easy use in different environments [7].

In schools, PECS can be integrated into classroom activities, enabling students to actively participate in learning and social interactions. At home, PECS can be utilized to facilitate communication between family members and promote independence. In community settings, PECS can help individuals engage with peers and navigate various social situations.

By implementing PECS across different settings, individuals are provided with a consistent communication system that supports their needs and promotes interaction with others in a wide range of contexts.

Tailoring PECS to individual needs, providing comprehensive training and ongoing support, and considering the various settings in which PECS can be utilized are key factors in successfully implementing this powerful communication system. By embracing these considerations, individuals can enhance their communication skills, reduce frustration, and foster meaningful connections with others.

Research on PECS

Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness and benefits of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This research has shed light on the positive impact of PECS on individuals with communication difficulties, leading to improved communication skills, reduced frustration, and enhanced social interactions.

Effectiveness of PECS

PECS has been shown to significantly reduce frustration and improve communication skills in children with communication difficulties. Studies have observed improvements in social interactions, increased confidence, and greater independence as a result of implementing PECS [1]. Research indicates that PECS can be effective in improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other developmental disabilities. It has been found to increase initiation of communication and enhance social interaction.

PECS for Different Populations

PECS has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with a wide range of communicative and cognitive abilities, extending beyond those with profound disabilities. Research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PECS in improving communication skills, vocabulary development, and social connections for individuals with various levels of cognitive functioning. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of PECS as a communication tool for diverse populations.

Combining PECS with Traditional Behavioral Techniques

Combining PECS with traditional behavioral techniques can lead to enhanced outcomes. The effectiveness of PECS increases as problem behaviors often subside post-training, making the benefits of communication more tangible for children with autism. This integration accelerates the management of behavioral issues and aids in improving communication and self-help skills.

By utilizing PECS alongside traditional behavioral techniques, individuals can experience a comprehensive approach to communication intervention, addressing both the behavioral and communicative aspects of their development.

The research conducted on PECS has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness and applicability across different populations. These findings highlight the positive impact of PECS in improving communication skills, reducing frustration, and promoting social interaction. The combination of PECS with traditional behavioral techniques further enhances the potential for growth and development in individuals with communication difficulties.

The PECS Protocol

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) follows a structured protocol that guides the implementation of this communication intervention. The protocol consists of several phases, each designed to teach and enhance functional communication skills. These phases enable individuals to effectively communicate their desires and experiences. Let's explore the different phases of the PECS protocol.

Phases of the PECS Protocol

The PECS protocol is divided into six phases, progressing from basic communication exchanges to more complex language skills. Each phase builds upon the skills developed in the previous phase, allowing for a gradual increase in communication abilities. The phases of the PECS protocol include:

1. Phase 1: Picture Exchange Initiation: In this initial phase, the individual is taught to initiate social communication by exchanging a picture of a desired item for the item itself. The focus is on developing basic communication skills and establishing the foundation for future phases.
2. Phase 2: Distance and Persistence: In this phase, the individual is encouraged to generalize the skill of exchanging pictures by initiating communication from a distance. They learn to approach communication partners and persist in their attempts to exchange pictures.
3. Phase 3: Picture Discrimination: This phase involves teaching the individual to select the appropriate picture from an array of options. By discriminating between different pictures representing desired items, the individual gains the ability to make choices and express preferences.
4. Phase 4: Sentence Structure: In this phase, the individual learns to construct simple sentences using sentence starters. They combine the use of pictures with basic sentence structures to communicate more complex messages.
5. Phase 5: Responding to Questions: This phase focuses on teaching the individual to respond to questions using pictures. They learn to answer questions about their preferences, experiences, and desires, expanding their ability to engage in conversations.
6. Phase 6: Commenting: The final phase of the PECS protocol involves teaching the individual to spontaneously comment on items, people, or activities using pictures. They develop the skill to initiate conversations and share their thoughts and observations.

Teaching Functional Communication Skills

Throughout the PECS protocol, the emphasis is on teaching functional communication skills. By using pictures to represent objects or desired items in the individual's environment, PECS provides a means for individuals to effectively communicate their needs and wants. This approach fosters independence and reduces frustration by empowering non-verbal individuals to express themselves.

Enhancing Spontaneous Communication

One of the key goals of the PECS protocol is to enhance spontaneous communication. As individuals progress through the phases, they develop the ability to initiate communication, respond to questions, and make comments without relying solely on prompts or physical assistance. This promotes increased social interaction and independence in their communication skills.

By following the structured PECS protocol, individuals with communication challenges are provided with a gradual and systematic approach to develop functional communication skills. The protocol's emphasis on picture exchange, discrimination, sentence structure, and spontaneous communication enables individuals to communicate effectively and participate more fully in social interactions.

PECS as an AAC System

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is not only a communication system but also serves as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system for individuals with complex communication needs. PECS utilizes pictures instead of words to facilitate functional communication and has been widely used to empower individuals, both children and adults, with limited or no verbal abilities.

Facilitating Functional Communication

PECS is designed to enable individuals to effectively communicate their needs, desires, and thoughts. By using visual symbols, individuals can exchange pictures to initiate communication and convey messages. This system allows individuals to approach others without the initial intimidation of speaking, enhancing their communicative abilities [8]. PECS can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the user, making it a highly flexible communication system.

PECS for Children and Adults

PECS is suitable for individuals of all ages, including both children and adults. It has been particularly effective for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who find it challenging to approach others and initiate communication. By empowering these individuals with a means of communication, PECS plays a crucial role in enhancing their overall communication skills and social interactions.

Advantages of Visual Symbols

The use of visual symbols in PECS offers several advantages. Visual symbols provide a concrete representation of activities, objects, and concepts, making communicative messages more understandable for individuals with communication difficulties. These symbols help bridge the gap between the individual's thoughts and their ability to express them verbally.

In addition, the flexibility of visual symbols allows for the communication of both basic needs and more complex thoughts and emotions. They can be customized to represent a wide range of concepts, from everyday objects to abstract ideas, enabling individuals to effectively express themselves in various situations [7].

PECS has proven to be an empowering AAC system, allowing individuals with limited or no verbal abilities to communicate effectively. The use of visual symbols in PECS offers a tangible means of communication, facilitating functional communication and promoting independence for individuals with complex communication needs.

Considerations for Using PECS

When implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), several important considerations should be taken into account to ensure its effectiveness in promoting communication. These considerations include guided implementation and symbol identification, tailoring instructional materials, and consistent use for effective communication.

Guided Implementation and Symbol Identification

Implementing picture communication and identifying symbolic representations may be challenging for some individuals. In such cases, guidance from an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can be crucial for successful implementation of picture communication strategies. These professionals have the expertise to assess the needs and abilities of individuals and provide guidance on selecting appropriate symbols and creating effective communication systems.

The process of symbol identification involves choosing meaningful images or icons that represent different objects, actions, or concepts. It is important to select symbols that are relevant and meaningful to the individual. This may involve considering their interests, preferences, and daily routines. By customizing the symbols to the individual's specific needs and experiences, the effectiveness of the communication system can be enhanced.

Tailoring Instructional Materials

When using PECS, it is important to consider the abilities and goals of the individual before selecting and using instructional materials related to picture communication. A tailored approach can help ensure the effective use of learning materials in enhancing communication skills. This may involve modifying the complexity or layout of the materials to match the individual's cognitive abilities and communication goals. By adapting the materials to the individual's specific needs, the learning process can be optimized and communication skills can be fostered.

Consistent Use for Effective Communication

PECS is a highly structured system that can be implemented by various individuals, including professionals, parents, caregivers, teachers, siblings, and peers, after receiving proper training. However, the consistent use of the PECS system is essential for its effectiveness and efficacy. It is important to establish a routine and incorporate the use of PECS into daily activities and interactions. By consistently using the system, individuals can develop a strong association between the symbols and their corresponding meanings, leading to improved communication and independence.

PECS can be used in various settings, such as home, school, and community activities, providing users with a means of communication accessible at all times. PECS books are designed to be portable for easy use in different environments. This allows individuals to express their needs, preferences, and desires in different contexts, promoting their participation and inclusion.

By considering these important factors of guided implementation and symbol identification, tailoring instructional materials, and maintaining consistent use, individuals using PECS can effectively enhance their communication skills and improve their ability to express themselves and engage with others.

Future Directions for PECS

As the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) continues to evolve and gain recognition as an effective communication system, ongoing research and development play a vital role in further enhancing its impact. The future of PECS holds exciting possibilities in terms of exploring new applications and integrating technology to augment its effectiveness.

Ongoing Research and Development

PECS is a well-known and extensively researched communication system that continues to be the subject of ongoing research and development. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving communication skills, reducing frustration, and promoting social interaction and independence in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other communication difficulties [7].

Ongoing research aims to further refine and expand the applications of PECS, addressing specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with communication difficulties. This research contributes to the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of PECS and ensures that the system continues to adapt and meet the evolving needs of individuals with diverse communication profiles.

Exploring New Applications

PECS has been successfully implemented in various settings, including schools, homes, and community environments, to support individuals in expressing their needs, wants, and ideas. However, the potential applications of PECS extend beyond these traditional settings. Future directions for PECS involve exploring new contexts and environments where the system can be effectively utilized.

For example, PECS has been used with individuals across different diagnoses and age spans, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. Furthermore, PECS has been applied to individuals with profound disabilities, visual impairments, and physical disabilities, highlighting its potential to empower a wide range of individuals. Exploring and expanding these applications will allow more individuals to benefit from the power of PECS.

Integration of PECS with Technology

As technology continues to advance, there is an opportunity to integrate PECS with various technological tools and platforms. This integration can enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of PECS, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.

For instance, PECS has been used as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) method in online casinos to facilitate real-time messaging between servers and player devices, enabling players to stay informed about their games. This application demonstrates the potential for technology to be leveraged in supporting the implementation and use of PECS in different contexts.

In the future, the integration of PECS with technology could involve the development of user-friendly communication apps, digital platforms, or wearable devices that incorporate visual symbols and facilitate real-time communication. These advancements would further enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of PECS, allowing individuals to navigate their daily lives with increased independence and confidence.

As ongoing research, exploration of new applications, and integration with technology continue to shape the future of PECS, the possibilities for empowering non-verbal individuals and promoting effective communication are boundless. By staying at the forefront of research and embracing new advancements, the potential of PECS to transform lives and open doors to meaningful communication will continue to expand.

References

• [1]: https://www.abtaba.com
• ‍[2]: https://childdevelopment.com.au
• ‍[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org
• ‍[4]: https://repository.stcloudstate.edu
• ‍[5]: https://pecsusa.com
• ‍[6]: https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu
• ‍[7]: https://www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk
• ‍[8]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• ‍[9]: https://nationalautismresources.com‍