PECS

Pictures can be used to facilitate an individual’s initiation and frequency of communication (expressive language), as well as, their understanding and responding to communication (receptive language). PECS is a structured system that teaches a child to exchange icons (objects, pictures, and/or written words) to communicate. PECS has been shown to improve an individual’s initiation of interactions, gaining attention, reciprocal eye gaze, use of communicative gestures, verbal approximations, speech intelligibility, ability to answer questions and request help, understanding of directions, and reduction of behaviors associated with communication frustration. A trained professional can provide a family and/or team information regarding the phases of PECS and strategies to elicit communication opportunities.