Picture Exchange Communication System
Lori Frost and Andy Bondy pioneered the development of The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) beginning in 1985 within the state of Delaware. It is a unique augmentative/ alternative training package that allows children and adults with autism and other communication deficits to initiate and develop functional communication. PECS has received worldwide recognition for focusing on the initiation component of communication. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials. It was created with educators, resident care providers and families in mind, and so it is readily used in a variety of settings.
The PECS protocols and teaching strategies have been scientifically validated within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. The framework around which its skills are taught was derived from B.F. Skinner’s 1957 seminal publication, Verbal Behavior. PECS begins with teaching a student to exchange a picture of a desired item with a “communicative partner,” who immediately honors the request (a mand within Skinner’s terminology). Rather than verbal prompts we use our unique 2-Person Prompting Procedure, building immediate initiation while avoiding prompt dependency. The system goes on to teach discrimination of symbols and the development of simple sentences. In the most advanced Phases, individuals learn to respond to statements and questions (i.e., intraverbals) as well as learn to comment about common items and activities (i.e., tacts). Many preschoolers using PECS also begin developing speech. The system has been successful with adolescents and adults who have a wide array of communicative and cognitive difficulties. A detailed Training Manual (2002, 2nd Edition) was written by Lori Frost, MS, CCC/SLP and Andy Bondy, PhD. The manual provides all of the necessary information to implement PECS effectively. It guides readers through the six phases of training and provides examples, helpful hints and templates for data and progress reporting. This Training Manual is recognized by professionals in the fields of communication and behavior analysis as an effective and practical guide to one of the most innovative systems available. The Manual offers many suggestions on assessing reinforcers, teaching strategies, fading prompts and other issues. Finally, the Manual provides detailed descriptions of how to effectively teach communication skills that often benefit from the use of visual strategies, such as a token reinforcement system (“Let’s make a deal!”), requesting help or a break, and learning to wait, respond to instructions, and follow a visual schedule. The authors encourage professionals and family members to create environments that enhance and encourage communication within all activities and routine through the use of the Pyramid Approach to Education (Bondy & Sulzer-Azaroff, 2002). The PECS Manual briefly outlines the Pyramid and how it can be established in various settings. There is a steadily growing body of research highlighting the effectiveness of PECS and its many positive beneficial consequences.
For more information concerning PECS, The Pyramid Approach to Education
or Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.
and to locate workshops in your area Please visit our PECS Website at www.pecs.com
Pyramid Educational Consultants
13 Garfield Way
Newark DE. 19713
We would be happy to further explain how our training products and services can help enhance your efforts with children with autism and related disabilities. Please feel free to call us at: 1 888-PECS INC (1-888-732-7462) or send us a FAX at 302-368-2516.
