Why are PECS important in ABA? (2023)

Why are PECS so important?

Why is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) important? PECS enables a child to communicate effectively with other people. It is particularly useful for children who are non-verbal, have limited or unclear speech and/or do not use a functional communication system in the home/preschool/school environment.

Description:, PECS is a methodology that uses pictures and other symbols to develop a functional communication system for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

The researchers concluded that PECS was effective in increasing spontaneous communication skills for a young child with autism. The participant demonstrated an increase in intelligible verbalizations and increased peer social interaction.

PECS is only for people with Autism: PECS is frequently recommended for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to deficits in expressive language and social communication.

PECS is a system for instructing students to communicate using pictures or symbols (pic/syms) in place of words. Students physically exchange a picture to request an item, to comment on or describe something, and eventually to have a conversation.

PECS training involves the following phases and steps. The outcome of Phase 1 is for the learner to look at, reach for, pick up, and hand the picture/symbol to their communication partner. These are the basic skills needed to effectively communicate using PECS (Frost & Bondy, 2002).

PECS Defined

Skinner's Verbal Behavior in conjunction with broad-spectrum applied behavior analysis. To encourage people who are unable to speak or sign to independently communicate, PECS uses picture-based prompting and reinforcement tied to systematic error correction to teach language skills.

Communication Limitation

PECS can become a limiting factor when autistic individuals improve their ability to communicate, because there may not always be adequate picture cards to enable the child to communicate his thoughts.

PECS^® is an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) with over 190 published articles providing evidence of the effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System^® (PECS^®).

Does PECS inhibit speech?

However, PECS has advantages such as it is readily understood and requires minimal training. Bondy (2011) reported that PECS has positive impacts on the development of speech and that there is no evidence that using PECS inhibits the development or use of speech.

Professional training regarding PECS is required in order to implement the program as designed. Generally the training is provided at a two-day workshop.

Sometimes PECS is a stepping stone to spoken language, a speech-generating communication device, or another mode of communication. But regardless of the next step, PECS can teach your child to express themselves, in a clear and appropriate way, without needing to resort to tantrums. And that is a beautiful thing.

PECS consists of six phases and begins by teaching an individual to give a single picture of a desired item or action to a “communicative partner” who immediately honors the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences.

visual supports, such as visual schedules and related are NOT the same thing. PECS is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system intended for functional communication - and especially in the beginning to develop independent spontaneous manding.

Picture education communication system, also known as more simply PECS, is an education system designed to help children of various ages. Teachers, therapists and others working with children use the system as a way to get responses from those who have problems communicating and those who cannot communicate verbally.

What are the next steps when a learner meets the goals of Phase 3 of PECS instruction? When a learner has met the goals for a particular Phase of PECS instruction, begin instruction on the next phase.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a way for autistic people to communicate without relying on speech. To communicate, people use cards with pictures, symbols, words or photographs to ask for things, comment on things or answer questions.

Your pecs also help stabilize your shoulder and shoulder blade, Miranda says, which helps guard against injury. Plus, your pecs play a role in your posture. If you spend lots of time in a flexed posture, like looking at your phone or hunched over a laptop, your pecs tighten, says Miranda.

Is pecs considered assistive technology?

Assistive Technology – Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) system that is used as an early intervention method in the developmental process of kids with ASD.

Communication Limitation

PECS can become a limiting factor when autistic individuals improve their ability to communicate, because there may not always be adequate picture cards to enable the child to communicate his thoughts.

Almost anyone can implement PECs, however they need to receive PECS training. Professionals, parents, carers, teachers, siblings and peers have all learnt to effectively use PECS and value their role as a Communication Partner.

Sometimes PECS is a stepping stone to spoken language, a speech-generating communication device, or another mode of communication. But regardless of the next step, PECS can teach your child to express themselves, in a clear and appropriate way, without needing to resort to tantrums. And that is a beautiful thing.

How does tight pectorals occur? People often complain of tight pectoral muscles if they do a large amount of upper limb exercises in the gym. These include chest and bench presses which are not counterbalanced with other exercises. This is known as a muscle imbalance injury.

The definition of pecs are the pectoral or chest muscles. An example of pecs are the large chest muscles on a body builder.

visual supports, such as visual schedules and related are NOT the same thing. PECS is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system intended for functional communication - and especially in the beginning to develop independent spontaneous manding.

However, PECS has advantages such as it is readily understood and requires minimal training. Bondy (2011) reported that PECS has positive impacts on the development of speech and that there is no evidence that using PECS inhibits the development or use of speech.

A communication device will give them a voice that speaks out loud. The PECS book is difficult to organize, manage and carry. The AAC user only knows how to request and ask for things.

PECS training involves the following phases and steps. The outcome of Phase 1 is for the learner to look at, reach for, pick up, and hand the picture/symbol to their communication partner. These are the basic skills needed to effectively communicate using PECS (Frost & Bondy, 2002).

How many phases of instruction does PECS have?

PECS consists of six phases and begins by teaching an individual to give a single picture of a desired item or action to a “communicative partner” who immediately honors the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences.