The
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed in 1985 as a unique
augmentative/ alternative training package that teaches children and adults with
autism and other communication deficits to initiate communication. First used at
the Delaware Autistic Program, PECS has received worldwide recognition for
focusing on the initiation component of communication. PECS does not require
complex or expensive materials. It was created with educators, resident care
providers and families in mind, and so it is readily used in a variety of
settings.
PECS begins with teaching a student to exchange
a picture of a desired item with a "teacher", who immediately honors the
request. The training protocol is based on B.F. Skinner’s book, Verbal Behavior
so that functional verbal operant's are systematically taught using prompting
and reinforcement strategies that will lead to independent communication Verbal
prompts are not used, thus building immediate initiation and avoiding prompt
dependency. The system goes on to teach discrimination of symbols and then how
to put them all together in simple sentences. In the most advanced Phases,
individuals are taught to comment and answer direct questions. Many preschoolers
using PECS also begin developing speech.
The system has been successful with adolescents
and adults who have a wide array of communicative, cognitive and physical
difficulties. The foundation for the system is the PECS Training Manual, 2nd
Edition, written by Lori Frost, MS, CCC/SLP and Andrew Bondy, PhD. The manual
provides all of the necessary information to implement PECS effectively. It
guides readers through the six phases of training and provides examples, helpful
hints and templates for data and progress reporting. This training manual is
recognized by professionals in the fields of communication and behavior analysis
as an effective and practical guide to one of the most innovative systems
available.
PECS is especially successful if appropriately
combined with elements of behavior analysis. The manual offers many suggestions
on assessing reinforcers, teaching strategies, fading prompts and other issues.
The authors encourage PECS users to create an environment that enhances and
encourages communication through the use of the Pyramid Approach to Education.
The manual briefly outlines the Pyramid and how it can be established in various
settings.
The
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed in 1985 as a unique
augmentative/ alternative training package that teaches children and adults with
autism and other communication deficits to initiate communication. First used at
the Delaware Autistic Program, PECS has received worldwide recognition for
focusing on the initiation component of communication. PECS does not require
complex or expensive materials. It was created with educators, resident care
providers and families in mind, and so it is readily used in a variety of
settings.