PECS


 * PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System** 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. PECS has been the subject of academic research. It was developed in 1985 by Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP and Andy Bondy, Ph.D.


 * PECS** is designed to teach functional communication with an initial focus on spontaneity. It has been and continues to be implemented in a variety of settings (home, school, community) so users have the skills to communicate their wants and needs. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials since it uses picture symbols as the modality. PECS is a method to teach young children a way of communicating within a social context. Research has shown that many preschoolers using PECS also begin developing speech

The PECs Protocol occurs in six stages: > During phase 1 the trainer reacts to picture exchange as though the child has just spoken. This reinforces the act of communicating.[|PECS Phase 1] > During phase II the child learns to initiate spontaneous communication without prompting.[|PECS Phase 2] > For children who have difficulty with picture discrimination, mini objects can be used followed by a gradual shift to pictures.[|PECS Phase 3] > The goal of this phase is for the child to respond "I want " regardless of if the item is present.[|PECS Phase 5] Depending on the age and cognitive level of the user, the time to master PECS will vary. Charlop-Christy et al., (2002) report that it takes an average of 246 trials for users to master all six phases of PECS. Bondy & Frost (2001) emphasize the importance of choosing reinforcers that are consistently motivating to the user.
 * **Phase I:** Teaches learners initiation of communication through the use of a single picture for a desired item.
 * **Phase II:** Teaches learners to be persistent communicators by seeking out pictures and communication partners in order to make requests.
 * **Phase III:** Teaches learners discrimination of pictures and how to select the picture which depicts the desired item.
 * **Phase IV:** Teaches learners sentence structure; making requests in by expressing "I want ." Teaching children using PECS to create a sentence "I want " is a way to increase the complexity of their communicative exchanges.[|PECS Phase 4]
 * **Phase V:** Teaches learners to respond to the prompt, "What do you want?"
 * **Phase VI:** Teaches learners to respond to questions as well as comment spontaneously on their environment.[|PECS Phase 6]
 * **Expansion of Vocabulary:** Teaches learners to use attributes in their requests, such as shapes, colors, and sizes.