PECS is a picture-based communication system that can provide an alternative or augmented communication system for individuals who are minimally verbal or nonverbal. Below we outline the Phases of PECS and tips to get started!
What is PECS?
Andy Bondy, PhD & Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP developed PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) for young, nonverbal, individuals with ASD. Since it's creation in 1985, the system has been expanded for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges and of all ages. There are 6 phases of PECS, and each phase has specific instructions for error correction to discourage prompt dependency. PECS have also been shown to increase verbal language, despite the common misconception that if a child utilizes a picture-based communication system they will rely on pictures. As an individual moves through the phases of PECS, they are encouraged to verbalize more and more, often leading to increased verbal development and vocabulary!
The Six Phases
The six phases of PECS must be taught be a trained professional, and it is encouraged that parents, caregivers, and staff who are working with the child to all be trained to encourage generalization of skills.
Phase 1
How to Communicate
The child is presented with a single PEC icon (juice, blocks, car, etc.), and they are taught how to exchange for that item.
Phase 2
Distance and Persistence
Once the child has mastered phase one, the next goal is to encourage them to travel to their communicative partner, and be persistent to gain the adult's attention. Still utilizing one PEC icon at a time, this phase slowly increases the distance and persistence needed across settings.
Phase 3
Picture Discrimination
Phase three is broken up into 2 parts, non-preferred and preferred. Initially, the child learns to discriminate between a preferred PEC and a non-preferred PEC. Next, they learn to discriminate between 2 preferred items. For example, a juice PEC and a ball PEC might be used, and if the child chooses the ball PEC, they learn to take the ball rather than the juice. This helps ensure that the child is able to look at the 2 different PECS and determine which item they want.
Phase 4
Sentence Structure
Once the child masters discriminating between 2 PECS, they advance to adding a sentence strip to their book. The sentence strip consists of an "I want" PEC, and a PEC for whatever item or activity they are requesting. This helps the child begin to form simple sentences to make requests.
Phase 5
Responsive Requesting
During phase five, the child begins to answer the question "what do you want?". Additionally, therapists begin to pause longer to encourage the child to verbalize.
Phase 6
Commenting
Phase six is the final and most advanced phase of PECS. The child learns to use their sentence strip to comment and answer a broad range of questions such as "what is it?" and "what do you see?".
Why get started with PECS?
When a child does not have access to a functional communication system, they often resort to behaviors such as screaming, kicking/biting/hitting, or tantruming to have their wants and needs met. Typically once a child begins to master PECS, they learn to utilize their PECS system rather than maladaptive behaviors to make requests. Initially, those behaviors may increase as the child learns what the pictures mean, but over time with consistency PECS can open up a new world of communication for your child!
Here is a link to a PECS starter kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2AS0OK?ie=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=6738&tag=clwiachofwi09-20&creativeASIN=B00B2AS0OK
I recommend talking with a Speech therapist who is trained in the PECS phases before implementing this on your own. Once you are able to connect with an individual who is trained in these 6 stages, they can help transfer skills to you so you can begin working with your child with support! I have been trained by a PECS specialist, and would love to help you get started; please reach out with any questions!