The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one of the most common communication tool that is used by speech therapists. It is a augmentative system of communication developed by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost.
It follows a strict framework, where children first learn to exchange a picture card for something they want.
However, before we go into PECS, let’s talk about what PECS is not. PECS is not a board on the fridge with pictures of things a child likes. I’ve walked into homes where families proudly declared that they are using PECS and showed me their picture board. Yet the child has shown no clear ability to discriminate amongst the many things on it.
If you do plan on using PECS, I highly recommend that you read the PECS manual cover-to-cover to make sure you understand it thoroughly. There are 6 distinct phases for the programs, and each steps is clearly outlined and explained.
In PECS, the child first have to learn that they have to exchange a card in order to access something they love, like a snack or a toy. At the beginning, a helper will assist the child in picking up and handing the card over to the communication partner. Upon receiving the card, the partner immediately hands over the desired item. As the child begins to do so independently, the assistance is gradually faded.
After this initial stage is mastered, distance is introduced, followed by picture discrimination. With picture discrimination, the child is presented with a picture of a desired item and one that he dislikes.
Why does this work? Because the child is taught that if he picks the wrong card, he is going to get something he doesn’t like. This is a great way to teach discrimination. Otherwise, if the child is presented with two items he likes, the consequence doesn’t quite matter does it?
As the child moves on to the higher levels of PECS, she learns to use simple sentences and even to respond to questions and make comments.
However, in order to ensure the successful implementation of PECS, a few things need to be in place.
PECS Requires Highly Motivating Objects
Let’s face it. Learning something new is hard. For it to be worth the effort, your child needs to have things that he truly desires like a favourite snack, activities or toys. Make sure that these highly motivating items are not readily available to your child, otherwise he would have no reason to initiate communication if he can help himself to them.
Also, try to limit these items to practice time, so that they remain novel and alluring. As the saying goes, the forbidden food is the sweetest. Save these treats for when it matters.
PECS Requires Another Helper
At the initial stages, another helper is required. This helper can be an adult or an older sibling who is willing and able to help. Since PECS is supposed to be non-verbal, the communicating partner is not supposed to give instructions like “Give me the card or I won’t give you the cookies” or “Give me the card” or even to point to the card.
This is where a helper comes in handy. The helper stands behind the child, and silently helps the child to hold the card and hand it over. As the child progresses, this assistance is faded. This allows the child to learn to perform the task with the minimal level of prompts while teaching him to initiate.
According to the manual, the child needs at least 30 chances for practice each day. Therefore, if you do not have the option of a helper, PECS may not be a viable option.
PECS Requires Picture Cards
Since PECS is a means to an end, not all children will be using it on a long term basis. As such, I usually recommend parents to produce the cards using cheaper means at the start instead of buying the designated PECS album and pre-made cards.
To make your own cards, take digital photos using your phone, print them out, and then laminate them. Laminators are inexpensive these days (less than S$50 on Amazon), and are great investments if you are considering PECS.
Conclusion
For children without effective means of communication, PECS is a good place to start. In the short term, it reduces the frustration for him and for you by giving him a viable way to communicate.
In the long-term, it actually improves his chances of talking. In fact, research has shown that children, be they verbal or non-verbal, are more likely to become verbal communicator with PECS.
So if you haven’t considered PECS, it is time to consider giving it a go!
