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What is a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

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Summary

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PECS is a way for people who have trouble speaking to communicate using pictures instead of words. It’s a tool that helps them express what they want or need by pointing to pictures in a book. This allows them to be more independent and have their needs met.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from PECS?

PECS can be beneficial for individuals with a variety of communication difficulties, such as autism, Down syndrome, or other speech and language disorders. It’s a helpful tool for people who struggle to communicate verbally.

How is PECS taught?

PECS is typically taught by a therapist, teacher, or parent. It involves teaching the individual a set of vocabulary pictures and modeling how to use them to communicate. Reinforcement and practice are key components of the learning process.

How long does it take to learn PECS?

The length of time it takes to learn PECS varies from person to person. With consistent teaching and practice, most individuals can learn to use PECS within a few weeks or months.

Scientific Definition

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Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, is a way for people who have difficulty speaking to communicate with others. Instead of using words, PECS uses pictures of things or actions to help people express what they want or need. The person using PECS has a book of pictures, and they can point to the picture of what they want, like food, a drink, or a toy. The person they are communicating with then gives them what they asked for. This is helpful for people with autism, Down syndrome, or other conditions that make it hard for them to talk to still be able to express themselves and have their needs met. PECS helps people build their communication skills and be more independent.

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Real World Example of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Meet Susie, a cheerful and determined child who loves to explore and play with her friends. Although Susie faces challenges when it comes to speaking, she has found a powerful tool called the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) that helps her express herself and connect with others.

  • Susie’s PECS Book: Susie carries a special book filled with pictures of things she wants to communicate. Each picture represents something she enjoys, like her favorite toys, snacks, or activities.
  • Pointing and Communicating: When Susie wants something, she confidently points to the corresponding picture in her PECS book. For example, she points to a picture of her favorite teddy bear when she wants to play with it.
  • Understanding and Responding: Susie’s friends, teachers, and family members understand her communication through the pictures. They quickly recognize her needs and fulfill her requests, creating a positive and supportive environment.
  • Expanding Communication Skills: With time, Susie learns to combine pictures to form sentences, expressing more complex thoughts and desires. She becomes more independent in expressing her thoughts and building stronger relationships.
  • Growing Confidence: Through PECS, Susie gains confidence in her ability to communicate, boosting her self-esteem and fostering a sense of belonging within her community.

For Susie, PECS has been a wonderful tool that empowers her to express herself and connect with others. By using pictures, she confidently communicates her needs, builds stronger relationships, and discovers the joy of effective communication.

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How Does Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Work?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a powerful tool that facilitates communication for individuals with speech difficulties. It involves using pictures to express needs and desires instead of relying solely on spoken language.

  • Picture-based Communication: PECS utilizes a book or a board with a variety of pictures representing different items, activities, or requests.
  • Choosing Preferred Items: Individuals using PECS can select and point to the picture of the item they want, such as food, drinks, or toys.
  • Requesting Actions: PECS enables individuals to communicate their desired actions by pointing to corresponding pictures, like “go outside” or “play games.”
  • Building Sentences: As communication skills progress, individuals can create sentence strips by combining multiple pictures to express more complex thoughts.
  • Responsive Interactions: The person communicating with the individual using PECS responds to their requests by providing the desired item or fulfilling the requested action.

PECS serves as an effective communication tool by allowing individuals to use pictures to express their needs and interact with others. Goally, our tablet, supports kids using PECS by offering interactive apps for visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills training videos. It enhances communication and overall development.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 13, 2023. It was updated on July 12, 2023.

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