The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a communication system based on exchanging pictures, specifically designed for individuals with special needs, such as autism or other communication disorders. PECS aims to develop functional communication skills in individuals who struggle with verbal language. The program teaches individuals how to use pictures to express their needs and desires. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps for implementing PECS.

Steps of the Picture Exchange Communication System

PECS is an effective method for teaching communication skills to children with autism. The program focuses on teaching children how to use pictures to express their needs and thoughts, thereby improving their ability to communicate with others. The program consists of gradual steps that begin with teaching simple picture exchanges and progress to using short sentences and complex concepts. PECS serves as a valuable tool for enhancing non-verbal communication, allowing children to improve their social interactions and achieve greater independence in daily life.

Picture Exchange Communication System

1- Teaching Exchange

The first step in the PECS program is teaching the concept of exchange, where the child learns to use pictures to express their needs and desires. In this phase, the child is trained to present a picture standing for what they want to another person, setting up the first step in communication. This step is the foundation for the next phases of the program, as it enhances the child’s understanding of the concept of communication and provides an effective means to interact with their environment and those around them, gradually improving their social skills.

  • Goal: Teach the child how to exchange a picture to obtain something they want.
  • Description: Training begins with presenting a picture of a desired item (such as a toy or food). The picture is placed in front of the child, who is encouraged to take it and hand it to the trainer or an adult. Upon handing over the picture, the child at once receives the desired item.
  • Key Points: This phase focuses on teaching the child the basic idea that exchanging a picture means receiving something in return. At this stage, the child does not need to fully understand the meaning of the picture; the emphasis is on the action of exchange.

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2- Discriminating Between Pictures

In the picture discrimination phase of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), the child learns how to distinguish between different pictures and select the proper one to express their needs. Several pictures are presented to the child, who is asked to choose the picture that is what they wish. This step enhances their ability to connect pictures with actual objects and needs, contributing to a more precise and effective development of their communication skills. This phase is a crucial step toward improving the child’s independence in communicating with their daily environment.

  • Goal: Teach the child to differentiate between different pictures and select the correct one representing the desired item.
  • Description: Once the child has mastered exchanging a single picture, two or more pictures being different items are presented. The child is asked to choose the picture that stands for what they want and hand it over to obtain it.
  • Key Points: This phase requires the child to pay attention and distinguish between different pictures, enhancing their ability to associate the picture with the item it represents.

3- Learning to Use Pictures in Sentences

In the phase of learning to use pictures in sentences within the PECS program, the child begins to develop their ability to express themselves using short sentences composed of several pictures. In this phase, the child learns to combine pictures to form sentences like “I want + desired item,” which enhances their skills in complex communication. This step is a qualitative leap in improving the child’s ability to express themselves more clearly and comprehensively, helping them effectively convey their thoughts and needs, thereby enhancing their independence and social interaction.

  • Goal: Build simple sentences using pictures.
  • Description: A board having a simple sentence strip is presented, starting with a word like “I want,” followed by a picture of the desired item. The child learns how to construct a complete sentence using the pictures, such as “I want an apple.”
  • Key Points: This phase teaches the child how to express their desires in a more detailed manner using simple sentences. This helps develop communication skills in a more complex way.

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4- Expanding Sentence Building

In the context of supporting individuals with developmental, behavioral, and sensory disorders, expanding sentence building is an essential part of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This expansion aims to enhance individuals’ ability to use pictures more effectively to construct complete and complex sentences, allowing them to express their thoughts and needs more clearly. By implementing structured and methodical steps, the PECS program significantly improves communication skills and eases daily interactions.

  • Goal: Increase the complexity of sentences and expand vocabulary.
  • Description: More words and pictures being actions, descriptions, or feelings are added, enabling the child to form more complex and detailed sentences. For example, the child may learn to construct sentences like “I want a red apple” or “I feel happy.”
  • Key Points: This phase focuses on developing the child’s language by increasing vocabulary and teaching them how to create multi-word sentences that express more complex ideas.

5- Answering Questions

Interacting with questions is a crucial part of the PECS program, which aims to support individuals with developmental, behavioral, and sensory disorders in improving their communication skills. By teaching individuals how to use pictures to answer questions, the program helps enhance their ability to provide correct and useful responses, helping daily interactions and increasing communication effectiveness. This article will outline how to integrate the steps for answering questions within the PECS program and its impact on improving communication capabilities.

  • Goal: Teach the child how to answer questions using pictures.
  • Description: In this phase, the child is trained to use pictures to answer simple questions such as “What do you want?” or “What is this?” Responses can be given using a single picture or a sentence made up of several pictures.
  • Key Points: This phase aims to develop the child’s ability to engage in simple dialogues using pictures, thereby enhancing their interaction with others.

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6- Commenting and Expressing Opinions

Commenting and expressing opinions is a crucial step in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which aims to enhance the ability of individuals with developmental, behavioral, and sensory disorders to express themselves effectively. By teaching them how to use pictures to comment on situations or share their opinions, the program contributes to improving their communication skills and provides them with the opportunity to actively take part in daily conversations. This article will discuss how to implement the steps for commenting and expressing opinions within the PECS program and its positive impact on individuals’ interactions and ability to express themselves.

  • Goal: Develop the child’s ability to use pictures to comment on what they see or express their opinions.
  • Description: The child is encouraged to use pictures to express their observations or feelings about events or things around them. For example, they might use pictures to say, “I like candy” or “The weather is cold.”
  • Key Points: This phase represents an advanced step in communication, as the child transitions from merely making requests to expressing thoughts and feelings, thereby enhancing their social and linguistic abilities.

Conclusion

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an effective and essential tool for developing communication skills in individuals who face challenges with verbal communication. By following these steps, trainers and specialists can help children and adults express their needs and desires more independently and effectively. Enhancing communication using pictures is not only a means of meeting daily needs, but it also serves as a bridge to improving social interaction and enhancing communication abilities in various aspects of life.