How Does the Picture Exchange Communication System Work?

Introduction

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a system that enables autistic children and adults with delayed speech development to communicate with their parents, caregivers and educators. The goals of the system include establishing a means of communication in which the child can associate, in time, the exchange of pictures with the act of verbalization, leading to speech development.

Pictures are created of the child's favorite foods, toys or other items of interest to the child. The system begins with one picture, usually of a food such as a cookie or sandwich.

The picture is placed beneath a clear container. When the child shows interest in the picture, the trainer (parent, educator or caregiver) takes the picture from beneath the container and hands it to the child. The child then is guided to give the picture back, to which the trainer verbally responds, acknowledging the act as a request. "Do you want a cookie? You can have a cookie."

Establishing Intent

In the next phase, the trainer puts physical distance between herself and the child. The picture of the favorite item is accessible now, and the child must bring the picture to the trainer. The item, such as a cookie, is now the reinforcer, that is, the reward for making a request by using the picture.
More pictures of items are added and placed in an accessible area to the child. The child then selects a picture of what he wants and brings it to the trainer.
Following this phase, the child is given a card on which is written, "I want _". The child learns, through example and repetition, to bring that particular card along with the picture of the desired item to the caregiver.

Establishing Communication

When the child brings the picture card to the trainer, the trainer will, in time, ask the child the direct question, "What do you want?" At this point, the child should develop the ability to put the "I want_" card alongside or with the picture of the desired item. The child is learning to respond to a direct question. The trainer reinforces this with verbal responses such as, "Do you want a cookie?" and, "I can give you a cookie."
Other pictures of favorite and desired items are gradually added. To these, items of general interest, such as an airplane, a building or a sandbox are eventually added. These pictures can serve as a sort of conversation starter.
Speech development is encouraged when other word cards are added, such as the "I see_" card. The trainer directly asks the child what she sees, encouraging the child to use the "I see_" card along with pointing out a particular picture.

Speech Development

The exchange of pictures and images along with word cards is the essence of the Picture Exchange Communications System. It lays a foundation for teaching the child how to use verbalization to communicate.
PECS is a long-term project, and besides autism, can be used with other conditions affecting speech development. The process of exchanging pictures for desired items, along with verbalized recognition of the request and word cards, establishes a path of communication within the child's cognitive processes.