PECS Communication Cards: Tool for Families

July 30, 2024

Bridge the communication gap with PECS communication cards, a vital tool for families with autism.

Understanding PECS Communication

When it comes to fostering communication in individuals with expressive communication limitations, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has proven to be a valuable tool. It offers an alternative means of communication for those with limited or no spoken language.

Introduction to PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, was developed in 1985 as part of the Delaware Autism Program in the United States. Rooted in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), PECS uses picture communication cards to make communicative messages more accessible and understandable [1].

PECS is designed to help individuals understand how communication works and engage in meaningful interactions with others. It uses picture symbols that represent activities to motivate students to participate and learn structured expressive communication skills.

Benefits of PECS

PECS provides an alternative means of communication for individuals without spoken language or with limited spoken language skills. It offers a way for individuals, particularly those with autism, to ask for things, make comments, and answer questions.

The use of PECS communication cards can be particularly beneficial for children who are non-verbal, have limited or unclear speech, and do not use a functional communication system in the home, preschool, or school environment. PECS has proven successful with individuals of all ages demonstrating a variety of communicative, cognitive, and physical difficulties.

By using this system, individuals can effectively communicate their needs, desires, and observations, fostering a greater sense of independence and autonomy. For more information on how to use PECS in different environments and situations, check out our articles on the picture exchange communication system and pecs for speech therapy.

Implementing PECS Communication

Implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can open new avenues of communication for children with autism. From working with trained professionals to using PECS communication cards, the following sections will guide you through the process.

Working with Speech Language Pathologists

The implementation of picture communication may be a challenge for some individuals. In such cases, the guidance of an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can be beneficial in teaching and using picture communication effectively. SLPs are trained professionals who can adapt the PECS communication system to the unique needs and abilities of each child.

SLPs can provide families with instructional materials and support to ensure the effective use of picture communication. They also play a crucial role in monitoring progress and adjusting the approach as needed, to align with the child's evolving communication skills and goals.

In cases where there are multiple areas of concern, both Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy may be recommended to address the functional areas of concern. You can learn more about the role of therapy in the PECS process in our article on PECS for speech therapy.

Utilizing PECS Communication Cards

PECS communication cards are a key component of the PECS communication system, allowing students to communicate a request or thought using a picture card. These cards can be used to communicate with nonverbal and minimally verbal students in accordance with the PECS system.

The cards typically depict common objects, actions, and concepts, and can be customized to suit the child's everyday experiences and communication needs. The cards are cut out and organized on a PECS schedule board, where they can be easily accessed and used by the child.

The process of communicating with pictures and identifying symbolic representations may be difficult for some children initially. However, with consistent practice and the support of trained professionals, children can learn to use these cards effectively to express their thoughts, requests, and needs.

Implementing PECS communication is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and the right resources. However, the rewards in terms of improved communication and connection make it a worthwhile endeavor for families and children with autism.

Practical Applications of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) offers a unique system of communication that can be incorporated into daily activities and situations to promote meaningful communication exchanges.

Daily Activities and Situations

The PECS communication cards depict a wide range of daily activities and situations, providing a practical tool for communication and interaction. These cards can be used to prompt discussions, assist with directions, and clarify a client’s needs, making them a versatile tool for everyday use(Cultural Diversity).

For example, a child can use a card to indicate a desire to eat, to play a specific game, or to express feelings. The cards can also be used to explain routines and transitions, providing a visual schedule that can help reduce anxiety and confusion. To learn more about how to create and use a PECS schedule board, visit our article on pecs schedule board.

Promoting Communication Exchange

The goal of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is not only to provide an alternative way of communication for individuals with limited spoken language skills but also to enhance their communication skills.

This system motivates students to participate in meaningful communication exchanges, like making requests, making comments, and answering questions, using picture symbols that represent activities. This structured expressive communication method can be particularly beneficial for individuals with complex disabilities such as autism or learning disabilities [5].

By improving understanding and engagement, PECS communication cards can help individuals with expressive communication limitations overcome challenges and foster meaningful interactions.

To delve deeper into the world of PECS and how it can be utilized for speech therapy, check out our article on pecs for speech therapy.

Teaching PECS to Children

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a structured system designed to introduce children with expressive communication limitations to the concept of communication and help them engage in meaningful communication exchanges. When teaching PECS to children, it's crucial to make the learning process fun and motivating, and to implement a structured learning approach.

Making Learning Fun

Teaching independent expressive communication to students can be challenging, and motivating them to participate and learn is crucial. Introducing and teaching picture communication in a fun and engaging way is essential for students to participate actively in the session and learn structured expressive communication skills [2].

Some ways to make learning fun could include incorporating the child's favorite activities or interests into the PECS communication cards, making a game out of the learning process, or using interactive materials that can hold the child's attention. For example, if a child enjoys a particular cartoon character, PECS cards featuring that character could be used to motivate the child to engage with the system.

Structured Learning Approach

PECS is taught in six phases, starting with teaching the child to request highly desirable items, and gradually expanding to commenting and sentence formulation. It's important to follow these phases in sequence, ensuring that the child is comfortable and proficient at each phase before moving on to the next.

Here is an overview of the six phases:

Physical Exchange: The child learns to exchange single picture cards for items or activities they really want.
Expanding Spontaneity: The child moves around the room to exchange picture cards.
Picture Discrimination: The child selects from two or more picture cards to ask for their favorite things.
Sentence Structure: The child constructs simple sentences on a PECS Communication Board.
Answering Questions: The child learns to use PECS to answer the question, "What do you want?"
Commenting: The child learns to comment on things in their environment.

By combining a fun learning environment with a structured approach, children can effectively learn to use PECS communication cards to express their needs and interact with others. For more details and guidance on implementing PECS in your child's daily routine, consult with a speech therapist or refer to our article on pecs for speech therapy.

Overcoming Communication Challenges

While implementing PECS communication cards can be a significant step towards enhancing communication for individuals with limited or unclear speech, the journey may present some challenges. However, with the right guidance and resources, these obstacles can be successfully navigated.

Guidance for Implementation

Implementing picture communication can be challenging for some individuals, and the guidance of an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can be beneficial in teaching and using picture communication effectively.

Instructional materials are available to support trained team members in using picture exchange communication system effectively. These resources can assist in tailoring the communication system to the individual's abilities and goals, making the learning process more engaging and productive.

However, if a child has difficulties learning PECS, it is recommended they consult a Speech Therapist. In cases where there are multiple areas of concern, both Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy may be recommended to address the functional areas of concern [3].

Supporting Different Abilities

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a versatile tool designed to support individuals of all ages and abilities. It can be particularly effective for individuals with expressive communication limitations, helping them overcome challenges in understanding communication and engaging in meaningful exchanges.

PECS communication cards represent activities and use matching picture symbols to make communicative messages more understandable. This enables individuals to communicate effectively with other people, especially those who are non-verbal, have limited or unclear speech, and do not use a functional communication system in the home/preschool/school environment [3].

Moreover, PECS can also increase people’s communication skills. For example, individuals can learn to use the cards to ask for things, make comments, and answer questions [1].

Implementing PECS communication cards is a journey that requires patience, guidance, and perseverance. With the right tools and support, it can open up new avenues for communication and connection. For more information on the use of PECS in therapy, check out our article on pecs for speech therapy.

PECS and Therapy

Using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a therapeutic intervention can be a vital tool in promoting speech development and improving communication skills for children with autism and other related developmental disabilities.

Therapeutic Intervention

PECS, as a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), involves the physical exchange of pictures to communicate with another person for the purpose of requesting or commenting. It was originally developed for use with preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and other related developmental disabilities.

The use of pecs communication cards can lead to the development of speech in some learners using PECS as a therapeutic intervention. This visual-based communication method can provide a structured and tangible way for children to express their needs, wants, and thoughts, strengthening their ability to interact and connect with others.

However, implementing picture communication may be challenging for some individuals. The guidance of an experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can be beneficial in teaching and using picture communication effectively. Instructional materials, like a pecs schedule board, are available to support trained team members in using picture communication effectively based on the student's abilities and goals.

Speech Therapist Consultation

If a child has difficulties learning PECS, it is recommended they consult a Speech Therapist. In cases where there are multiple areas of concern, both Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy may be recommended to address the functional areas of concern [3].

Many speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, social workers, parents, and teachers have been trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). When you’re making an appointment with a new professional, you can ask whether the professional has experience with PECS.

The consultation with a speech therapist can provide a tailored approach to implementing PECS, taking into consideration the child's unique needs and abilities. The expert guidance can also empower parents and caregivers to effectively use pecs for speech therapy, fostering communication and connection in a variety of settings.

Incorporating the Picture Exchange Communication System with the guidance of a speech therapist can support the child's communication development and promote meaningful engagement with others.