Picture Exchange Communication System

Picture Exchange Communication System

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a term I often hear people using any time they are talking about using picture icons and visual supports (such as Picture Communication Symbols, known as PCS, which is used in the software program Boardmaker) in their classrooms to support students. PECS is a specific system for teaching communication, it is not a visual support system using icons.

This is worth repeating: The use of picture icons in visual supports is not PECS. 
 
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a type of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) originally developed for children with autism. The primary purpose of PECS is to teach individuals to initiate communication and to learn requesting. Individuals are taught to initiate by handing a picture to a communication partner in exchange for a desired item. 

PECS is a system for instructing students to initiate communication through the use of pictures/symbols in place of words.  Students physically exchange a picture to request an item, and may move toward commenting on or describing something, and eventually to having a conversation.  

PECS encourages and models speech along with the picture exchange when used in conjunction with an aided language system where the model of speech comes from the adults around the child.  

There are so many misconception about PECS, so if you plan to dabble, take the time to learn a little more about this program. A video worth watching: A Clear Picture: The Use and Benefits of PECS.  "This video includes a synopsis of the six training phases of PECS, a discussions of the myths and facts associated with PECS as well as an overview of the research related to PECS. Please note this video is an overview only and is not intended as a training workshop. "

Why learn and use PECS? 

PECS allows individuals to communicate by using pictures instead of, or in conjunction with, speech. PECS can provide a beginning level of expression for individuals with complex communication needs. The important thing to remember is that it is used to initiate conversation and to communicate wants or needs to another person. It is not meant to be "the" system forever but would be more of a stepping stone to the next system. It may be used with young children but has also successfully been taught to adults with similar communication needs. 

When should I use PECS?

If an individual needs to be taught how powerful communication can be, this is a good introduction. If they are not found to initiate language, this is a good introduction. PECS is mainly a system to make requests. It is a beginning process of teaching communication. It is a good place to start but not a place to stop.  

How does PECS work? 

After being taught the phase six system, an individual using PECS chooses a picture from a variety of pictures available then gives the picture to a communication partner. Knowing the individual's request, the partner can then provide the desired item or fulfill a desired need. (It is important to remember that PECS does not allow for rejecting, commenting, socializing and other important components of communicating. Again, it is mainly a starting point.)