How to Use PECS System for Autism at Home | Parenting a child with autism often comes with unique challenges, particularly in the realm of communication. One of the most effective tools for addressing these challenges is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This system allows children to express their needs, desires, and feelings using pictures. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can implement PECS at home to enhance your child’s communication skills and overall quality of life.
What is PECS?
PECS, or the Picture Exchange Communication System, is an evidence-based communication intervention that teaches children to communicate using pictures. Developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Andrew Bondy and Lori Frost, PECS is particularly effective for children with autism and other communication difficulties. The system is structured in six phases, each designed to build on the child’s previous successes, gradually increasing their ability to communicate more complex ideas.
Why Use PECS?
Before diving into the “how,” it’s essential to understand the “why.” PECS is not just about teaching a child to use pictures to communicate; it’s about giving them a voice. Here are some compelling reasons to consider PECS for your child:
- Enhanced Communication: PECS can significantly improve your child’s ability to communicate their needs and wants, reducing frustration for both the child and the parents.
- Behavioral Improvements: Improved communication often leads to a decrease in challenging behaviors, as the child can now express themselves more effectively.
- Social Interaction: PECS can facilitate better social interactions, helping your child to engage more meaningfully with family members and peers.
- Skill Building: The structured phases of PECS help in building essential skills like attention, persistence, and problem-solving.
How to Use PECS System for Autism at Home
Setting up PECS System for Autism at Home
Materials You’ll Need
- Pictures: These can be photographs, drawings, or printed images. Start with pictures of items your child is familiar with and interested in.
- Communication Book: A binder or a notebook with Velcro strips where the pictures can be attached and removed easily.
- Velcro: To attach pictures to the communication book.
- Reinforcers: Items or activities that your child finds motivating. These will be used to encourage and reward communication attempts.
Phase 1: How to Communicate
The first phase is all about teaching your child the basic concept of communication through pictures. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify Motivators: Start with items or activities your child loves. This could be a favorite snack, toy, or activity.
- Create Picture Cards: Make picture cards for these motivators. Ensure the pictures are clear and easily recognizable.
- Set Up the Environment: Place the motivator in sight but out of reach. This encourages your child to communicate their desire for the item.
- Hand-Over-Hand Assistance: Initially, you may need to guide your child’s hand to pick up the picture and give it to you. Immediately reward this action by giving them the desired item.
- Repetition and Consistency: Practice this multiple times a day. Consistency is key to helping your child understand the connection between the picture and the item.
Phase 2: Distance and Persistence
Once your child understands the basic concept of exchanging a picture for a desired item, it’s time to teach them to be more persistent and to communicate from a distance.
- Increase Distance: Gradually increase the distance between your child and the communication book. This encourages them to move towards the book to get the picture.
- Encourage Persistence: Sometimes, place the communication book in a slightly challenging but accessible location. This teaches your child to persist in their communication efforts.
- Reinforce Immediately: Continue to immediately reward your child for successful communication attempts to reinforce the behavior.
Phase 3: Picture Discrimination
In this phase, your child will learn to discriminate between different pictures and choose the one that represents their desired item.
- Start with Two Pictures: Begin with two pictures – one of a highly preferred item and one of a non-preferred item.
- Encourage Choice: Encourage your child to choose the picture of the preferred item. If they pick the correct picture, immediately reward them with the item.
- Gradually Increase Choices: As your child becomes proficient, gradually increase the number of pictures they can choose from.
Phase 4: Sentence Structure
Now that your child can choose between pictures, it’s time to introduce simple sentence structures.
- Sentence Strip: Create a sentence strip that says, “I want __.” Attach this strip to the communication book.
- Model the Sentence: Model how to form a sentence by placing the picture of the desired item on the sentence strip.
- Encourage Imitation: Encourage your child to imitate you by forming the sentence themselves. Reward them immediately for successful attempts.
Phase 5: Answering Questions
In this phase, your child will learn to answer questions using the PECS system For autism
- Simple Questions: Start with simple questions like “What do you want?” Encourage your child to use the sentence strip to answer.
- Reinforce Correct Answers: Immediately reinforce correct answers with the desired item or activity.
- Increase Complexity: Gradually increase the complexity of the questions as your child becomes more proficient.
Phase 6: Commenting
The final phase involves teaching your child to make comments and engage in more complex conversations.
- Introduce Commenting: Introduce pictures and sentence strips for commenting, such as “I see ,” “I hear ,” etc.
- Model and Reinforce: Model how to use these new sentence strips and reinforce your child’s attempts to use them.
How to Use PECS System for Autism at Home
Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: Consistency in using PECS is crucial. Make it a part of your daily routine.
- Involve the Whole Family: Encourage all family members to use PECS to communicate with your child. This provides more opportunities for practice and reinforces the system.
- Be Patient: Learning a new communication system takes time. Be patient and celebrate small successes along the way.
- Use Reinforcers Wisely: Ensure that the reinforcers you use are genuinely motivating for your child. This will encourage them to engage more with the PECS system.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If possible, work with a speech therapist or a PECS-trained professional to ensure that you’re implementing the system correctly and effectively.
FAQ | How to Use PECS System for Autism at Home
1. What is PECS?
PECS is a communication system that uses pictures to help individuals with limited or no verbal skills to communicate. It was developed in 1985 by Lori Frost and Andy Bondy and is based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles. PECS teaches individuals to exchange pictures for items or activities they want.
2. Who can benefit from PECS?
PECS is primarily designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities who have limited or no verbal communication skills. It can also be helpful for individuals with speech delays, cognitive impairments, or those who struggle with expressive language.
3. How does PECS work?
PECS operates in six phases:
- Phase 1: How to Communicate
The individual learns to exchange a picture of a desired item with a communication partner to receive that item. - Phase 2: Distance and Persistence
The individual learns to generalize the skill by using PECS with different people, across distances, and in various settings. - Phase 3: Picture Discrimination
The individual learns to choose between multiple pictures to request specific items. - Phase 4: Sentence Structure
The individual learns to construct simple sentences using a “sentence strip” (e.g., “I want + [item]”). - Phase 5: Responding to Questions
The individual learns to answer the question, “What do you want?” - Phase 6: Commenting
The individual learns to make comments and express preferences beyond just requesting (e.g., “I see + [item]” or “I hear + [sound]”).
4. How can I implement PECS at home?
To use PECS at home:
- Create a Communication Book: Assemble a binder with Velcro strips to hold pictures. Include pictures of items your child frequently requests (e.g., food, toys, activities).
- Start with Highly Motivating Items: Begin with items your child is highly motivated to request (e.g., favorite snacks or toys).
- Use Two Communicators: One person acts as the “helper” (physically prompts the child to exchange the picture), and the other acts as the “communicator” (receives the picture and provides the item).
- Be Consistent: Use PECS consistently across all settings and activities at home.
- Reinforce Success: Immediately reward the child with the requested item when they successfully exchange the picture.
5. What materials do I need for PECS?
- Pictures or Symbols: Use clear, simple images or PECS symbols (available online or through PECS training programs).
- Communication Book: A binder with Velcro strips to organize and store pictures.
- Sentence Strip: A strip of cardboard or plastic with Velcro to build sentences.
- Reinforcers: Items or activities your child is motivated to request.
6. How do I teach my child to use PECS?
- Start Small: Begin with one or two highly motivating items.
- Use Physical Prompts: Gently guide your child’s hand to pick up the picture and hand it to you.
- Fade Prompts Gradually: As your child becomes more independent, reduce physical assistance.
- Practice Regularly: Incorporate PECS into daily routines (e.g., mealtime, playtime).
7. What are the benefits of using PECS?
- Improves Communication: Provides a way for non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals to express themselves.
- Reduces Frustration: Helps reduce frustration and challenging behaviors caused by communication difficulties.
- Encourages Social Interaction: Promotes interaction with others through picture exchange.
- Builds Language Skills: Can serve as a stepping stone to developing verbal communication.
8. What are the challenges of using PECS?
- Initial Effort: Requires time and effort to set up and teach.
- Consistency: Needs consistent use across all environments to be effective.
- Generalization: Some individuals may struggle to generalize the use of PECS to new settings or people.
- Limited Spontaneity: Early phases of PECS focus on requesting, which may limit spontaneous communication.
9. Can PECS hinder speech development?
No, research shows that PECS does not hinder speech development. In fact, many children who use PECS begin to develop verbal communication skills over time. PECS can serve as a bridge to spoken language by teaching the fundamentals of communication.
10. How long does it take to see progress with PECS?
Progress varies depending on the individual. Some children may learn to exchange pictures within a few days, while others may take weeks or months to master the system. Consistency, motivation, and reinforcement are key factors in determining progress.
11. Where can I get training on PECS?
- Official PECS Training: The Pyramid Educational Consultants (the creators of PECS) offer workshops and online training courses.
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): Many SLPs are trained in PECS and can provide guidance.
- Online Resources: Websites, videos, and books about PECS can provide additional support.
12. Can PECS be used alongside other therapies?
Yes, PECS can be used alongside other therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA. It complements other interventions by providing a structured way to practice communication skills.
13. How do I expand my child’s use of PECS?
- Add New Pictures: Introduce new pictures for additional items, activities, or people.
- Encourage Sentence Building: Move to Phase 4 to teach sentence structure (e.g., “I want + [item]”).
- Promote Commenting: Use Phase 6 to encourage your child to comment on their environment (e.g., “I see a dog”).
14. What if my child loses interest in PECS?
- Reassess Reinforcers: Ensure the pictures and items you’re using are still motivating for your child.
- Make It Fun: Incorporate PECS into play-based activities.
- Take Breaks: If your child seems overwhelmed, take a break and reintroduce PECS later.
15. Are there alternatives to PECS?
Yes, other AAC systems include:
- Sign Language: Teaches manual signs for communication.
- Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): Electronic devices that produce speech.
- Communication Apps: Apps like Proloquo2Go or TouchChat for tablets.
16. How can I track my child’s progress with PECS?
- Keep a Journal: Record the pictures your child uses, their level of independence, and any new skills.
- Set Goals: Work with a therapist to set specific communication goals.
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small.
By implementing PECS at home, you can provide your child with a powerful tool to communicate and interact with the world around them. Consistency, patience, and collaboration with professionals are key to success.
Implementing PECS at home can be a transformative experience for both you and your child. By providing a structured way for your child to communicate, you can reduce frustration, improve behavior, and enhance social interactions. Remember, consistency and patience are key. With time and practice, PECS can open up new avenues of communication and understanding, enriching your child’s life and your family’s dynamic.