Picture Exchange Communication System PECS as an evidence-based practice

PECS is a behaviour based intervention that teaches the learner to use visual-graphic symbols to communicate with others. Learners with ASD are taught to give a picture or graphic symbol of a desired item to a communicative partner in exchange for the actual item through a six phase process. Each phase of PECS instruction builds upon the previous phase.

✓  What is Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• PECS is an evidence-based practice for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from 3 to 14 years of age.
• It is a behaviourally based intervention that teaches the learner to use pictures/symbols to communicate with others.

✓  Why Use?

• Some learners with ASD might not develop typical verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• PECS can be used to develop a system of communication and promote speech development.
• PECS can be used to teach learner’s with limited functional communication skills to initiate communicative exchanges and interactions within a social context. 

✓ Outcomes

• The evidence-base for PII supports the use of this practice to address: Social, Communication, Joint Attention.

Who is this training for
✓ For families of children and adults affected with ASD, Speech Delay, related conditions and awaiting the assessment
✓ For teachers from pre-school, primary and post-primary school who work with children and adults with special educational needs
✓ For special needs assistants
✓ For all involved in the care and support of children and adults with ASD and related conditions.

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