Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Understanding the Foundations of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) stands as a pioneering augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tool designed to empower individuals with limited speech, particularly children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since its inception in 1985, PECS has revolutionized communication training by offering a structured, visual approach that promotes spontaneous, functional interactions. This article explores the origins, structure, methodology, benefits, scientific support, and implementation strategies of PECS, providing a comprehensive overview of this influential system.

Development and Historical Background of PECS

What is the developmental history and background of PECS?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was created in the mid-1980s at the Delaware Autistic Program, a pioneering effort to address the communication challenges faced by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed by Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, and Andy Bondy, PhD, PECS was conceived as a simple, effective tool that could be used to teach spontaneous, functional communication through pictorial exchange.

The development of PECS was heavily influenced by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the theoretical framework of verbal behavior as outlined by behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner. Its design aims to foster independence in communication by teaching individuals to exchange pictures of desired items with a communication partner to initiate interaction.

Initially focused on preschool children with severe communication difficulties, PECS has since expanded its scope. It now serves individuals of all ages with a variety of cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. The program involves six progressive phases, starting with basic picture exchange and moving toward constructing sentences, asking questions, and commenting.

Throughout its evolution, PECS has integrated technological advancements, allowing for digital resources, and has gained widespread recognition as an empirically supported, evidence-based method. It’s praised for its simplicity, low cost, portability, and high success potential, making it accessible for diverse educational, clinical, and home settings.

Today, PECS is used worldwide, and its development continues to be guided by ongoing research, with certification programs to ensure high-quality implementation by trained professionals, parents, and caregivers. Its creation marked a significant step forward in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), providing an essential bridge for nonverbal individuals to develop social and language skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and enhance overall independence.

Understanding PECS: Its Purpose and Core Principles

What is PECS and how does it work?

PECS, or the Picture Exchange Communication System, is an alternative communication method developed in 1985 by Lori Frost and Andy Bondy at the Delaware Autism Program. Its primary purpose is to assist individuals, especially children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have limited or no spoken language, to communicate effectively. The system uses pictures as a means of expression.

In practice, PECS involves teaching individuals to exchange picture cards representing items or desires with a communication partner to receive the desired object or activity. For example, a person might hand over a picture of a cracker to indicate they want one. This exchange is the foundation of developing functional communication skills.

PECS employs a structured teaching protocol rooted in principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Trainers use systematic error correction and specific prompting and reinforcement strategies to guide learners through several phases. As skills progress, individuals learn to form simple sentences like "I want ___" and expand to commenting and responding to questions.

The system is designed to be highly adaptable, usable across various settings such as homes, schools, and community environments, and suitable for learners of all ages. Its emphasis on spontaneous communication helps to develop social interaction and reduce frustration, leading to more positive social exchanges.

PECS is practiced by trained professionals, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, teachers, and also knowledgeable parents and caregivers. Training involves workshops, often offered by Pyramid Educational Consultants, who are the only authorized organization to certify practitioners in PECS. This ensures quality implementation that maximizes its benefits.

Overall, PECS effectively supports the development of communicative independence, enabling individuals to express their needs, preferences, and thoughts visually, which often facilitates subsequent spoken language development. It also contributes to reducing challenging behaviors often caused by communication frustration and increases social engagement.

The Structure and Phases of PECS Implementation

What are the main phases involved in PECS?

PECS is designed to gradually develop communication skills through a structured series of six phases. Each phase builds on the previous one, introducing new skills and increasing independence in communication. Understanding these phases helps practitioners, parents, and educators effectively implement PECS.

The first stage, Phase I, “How to Communicate,” focuses on teaching individuals to exchange a simple picture of an item they want. The goal is to make requesting natural and functional, with the individual initiating communication.

In Phase II, “Distance and Persistence,” learners are encouraged to seek out the communication partner from a distance and persist until their request is acknowledged. This helps develop independence and confidence in using PECS.

Phase III, “Picture Discrimination,” involves teaching the learner to distinguish between multiple pictures. They learn to choose the correct picture that represents their desired item from a set of options, which is crucial for expanding communication and understanding.

Phase IV introduces “Sentence Structure and Additional Vocabulary.” Here, learners begin to construct simple sentences, such as “I want ___,” by combining pictures. This stage emphasizes developing sentence complexity and adding modifiers like attributes or verbs.

Successively, subsequent phases will focus on answering direct questions like “What do you want?” and engaging in spontaneous commenting behaviors. These skills enable learners to participate more fully in social interactions and respond to their environment.

Overall, the progression through these six phases enables individuals to develop functional, self-initiated communication opportunities that extend across various settings and situations.

Benefits and Scientific Evidence Supporting PECS

What are the benefits and effectiveness of PECS?

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) offers significant advantages for individuals with limited or no speech, especially those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is designed as a functional augmentative communication tool that promotes independence in social interactions. By teaching users to exchange pictures to request items or activities and respond to questions, PECS helps enhance spontaneous communication and social engagement.

The system is structured in six phases, starting from teaching basic picture exchanges to formulating sentences and commenting. This approach encourages learners to initiate communication, which can boost their confidence and social skills.

Research indicates that PECS is effective in reducing challenging behaviors driven by frustration, such as tantrums, because it provides a non-verbal means to express needs. The consistency and simplicity of the visual symbols make it accessible for caregivers and educators, even without specialized training.

Additionally, PECS has been shown to foster the development of verbal speech over time. As users become more comfortable initiating communication with pictures, many progress to vocal language, making PECS a valuable stepping stone toward spoken communication. Its portability and low cost further facilitate its implementation across various settings—home, school, and community.

Overall, PECS enhances not only communication but also social interaction, social confidence, and behavior regulation, greatly improving the quality of life for its users.

Are there studies showing increased verbal speech and reduced problematic behaviors?

Yes, multiple studies have documented positive outcomes associated with PECS. For instance, a well-known study involving three children with autism using a multiple baseline design revealed that all participants met the learning criteria for PECS within a short period.

These children showed marked increases in spontaneous verbal requests following PECS training. Furthermore, ancillary benefits included improved social-communicative behaviors and a decrease in problematic behaviors like aggression, self-injury, and maladaptive tantrums.

Long-term follow-ups reinforce these findings, showing that speech often continues to develop after the initial PECS intervention phase. As children gain confidence in initiating communication via pictures, many transition toward verbal communication, suggesting PECS acts as a facilitator rather than a substitute.

Additionally, studies suggest that PECS supports generalization, with children demonstrating communication skills across different settings, such as home and school, and with various communication partners.

Systematic review findings and empirical support

A comprehensive systematic review published in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) journal analyzed empirical evidence on PECS published between 1994 and 2009. The review included eight single-subject experiments involving 18 participants and three group studies with a total of 95 PECS users.

Findings from these studies showed small to moderate improvements in communication skills among children with ASD. While speech gains were generally small or sometimes negative, the evidence consistently pointed to PECS's effectiveness in fostering functional communication.

Particularly, Phase IV of PECS, which involves constructing simple sentences, appeared influential in promoting verbal speech development. The review noted that although PECS shows promise as an intervention, concerns remain regarding the maintenance and generalization of skills over time.

Despite some limitations, PECS has gained recognition as an evidence-based practice supported by a large body of international research. Its structured approach and proven efficacy make it a valuable tool in enhancing communication for individuals with ASD and related disabilities.

Aspect	Findings	Additional Details
Communication Gains	Small to moderate across studies	Most effective in early stages, promoting requesting and social interactions
Speech Development	Often increases, especially with Phase IV	Acts as a bridge to verbal speech, not a hindrance
Behavioral Outcomes	Decreases in tantrums, aggression, and other problematic behaviors	Linked to improved ability to express needs
Generalization	Skills transfer across settings	Family involvement enhances outcomes
Long-term Effects	Speech often continues to develop over years	Use of PECS tends to decrease, but vocal speech increases

PECS remains a promising intervention supported by scientific research. Its phased structure, naturalistic implementation, and evidence of improving communication and reducing behavior issues underscore its value for learners with autism spectrum disorder and other communication challenges.

Implementing PECS: Practical Strategies and Settings

How is PECS implemented and applied in practice?

PECS is carried out through a clear, step-by-step process that involves training individuals who will facilitate its use, such as educators, speech therapists, and caregivers. The process begins with simple exchanges, teaching users to hand over a picture of a desired item to communicate effectively. This initial phase is crucial for fostering the desire to communicate independently.

As individuals become proficient, they progress through successive phases that include teaching persistence at a distance, discrimination between different pictures, constructing simple sentences, and eventually commenting and answering questions. These phases are systematically introduced, with each building on skills acquired in the previous one.

Implementation relies heavily on visual supports—such as picture books with Velcro or laminated icons—that make communication concrete and observable. Behavioral principles like prompting (giving hints), reinforcement (praising or rewarding), shaping (gradually increasing difficulty), and error correction are central to teaching these skills. For instance, prompts can include physical guidance or gestural cues, which are gradually faded as the individual becomes more independent.

PECS is designed to be integrated into various natural settings—home, school, community outings—maximizing meaningful communication opportunities across routines. Caregivers and teachers are encouraged to continually add new pictures to expand vocabulary, train others involved in the individual's life, and ensure skills are generalized across different contexts and people. When specific picture cards are unavailable, improvising with related pictures or objects allows for flexible and functional communication, fostering spontaneity and natural interaction.

Overall, PECS’s structured yet adaptable approach emphasizes spontaneous initiation and practical communication, making it a powerful tool for learners of all ages.

What training options are available for PECS practitioners?

Training and certification play a vital role in effective PECS implementation. Pyramid Educational Consultants is the primary organization authorized to provide official PECS training. They offer comprehensive courses that include Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, designed for professionals, parents, and caregivers.

The initial certification involves attending a two-day workshop where participants learn the protocol, practice implementation skills, and demonstrate their competency through live practice or role plays. Successful completion leads to certification, which is valid for three years, after which renewal or continuing education is necessary.

For those aiming to expand their expertise, the Certified Manager (PCM) level is available. This certification is for individuals with prior PECS Level 1 and 2 training who attend additional Pyramid Approach Training to lead implementation efforts within a team or organization.

Training is offered both in-person and online, making it accessible to a wide audience. Proper certification ensures practitioners adhere to the protocol's standards, maximizing effectiveness and integrity.

Parents interested in implementing PECS can attend shorter, more affordable workshops—usually about two days—offered at reduced costs. Certification not only enhances the quality of communication support but also provides professional recognition of skills.

Beyond initial training, ongoing support, consultation, and e-learning modules are available to deepen understanding and troubleshoot implementation challenges. Maintaining certification and staying updated with the latest research and practices are encouraged to ensure sustained success.

Use in natural environments such as home and school

PECS is designed to be embedded into daily routines, making it highly effective in natural environments like homes and schools. This integration allows learners to practice communication in contexts where it naturally occurs, which boosts generalization and meaningful use.

In homes, parents and siblings can incorporate PECS during mealtimes, play, or routines such as getting ready for bed. Teachers can implement PECS during classroom activities, transitions, or outdoor play to promote spontaneous communication.

Using PECS across settings encourages learners to initiate requests and comments, reinforcing functional communication skills that are vital for social interaction and independence.

Caregivers are advised to carry portable PECS kits—small boards or books—ready for use throughout the day. Consistent use in varied settings and with different communication partners enhances skill retention and promotes the transfer of skills.

Furthermore, involving the community through PECS use in locations like grocery stores, parks, and community centers helps learners expand their communicative opportunities. This frequent practice aids in solidifying the skills learned during formal training and ensures they become appropriate behaviors in everyday life.

Behavioral principles involved in teaching

PECS is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), applying behavioral strategies such as prompting, reinforcement, shaping, and error correction.

Prompting involves providing hints or cues to guide the learner toward the correct communication response, which are gradually reduced to promote independence.

Reinforcement, such as praise or access to preferred items, motivates learners to engage and continue practicing the communication skill.

Shaping is used to develop complex skills incrementally, starting with simple exchanges and progressively moving toward sentence construction and commenting.

Error correction procedures include gentle guidance and feedback to help learners understand and correct mistakes without causing frustration.

These behavioral techniques ensure that communication skills are learned efficiently, reinforced consistently, and maintained over time, fostering real-world functional communication.

Promoting skill generalization and maintenance

Generalization—the transfer of skills across different settings and people—and maintenance—the continuation of skills over time—are fundamental to the success of PECS.

Practitioners and caregivers are encouraged to vary the communication partners, settings, and materials used during training. For example, using different pictures, using PECS in the classroom, at home, and during community outings.

Training in diverse environments ensures learners do not become reliant on a specific context or adult and can communicate flexibly across their daily routines.

Reinforcing skills with natural reinforcers and encouraging spontaneous use of communication promotes independence. Gradually fading prompts and reducing extraneous cues help learners maintain skills without reliance on external supports.

Follow-up sessions and periodic assessments help track the retention of skills and identify areas needing reinforcement.

Involvement of families, teachers, and peers in ongoing practice fosters a supportive environment for skill maintenance and generalization.

Research supports the idea that consistent, naturalistic application of PECS across multiple contexts enhances the durability and functional utility of communication skills developed through the system.

PECS in Practice and Its Effectiveness Across Settings

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is widely used in various environments such as therapy rooms, homes, schools, and community settings to facilitate communication for individuals with limited or no speech. Its flexible approach allows caregivers, educators, and therapists to implement PECS in naturalistic and routine activities, maximizing opportunities for meaningful interaction.

In therapy, PECS serves as a foundational tool for teaching functional communication. Therapists use structured protocols based on six developmental phases, focusing initially on simple picture exchanges and advancing towards expressive sentences and commenting. This systematic progression helps learners acquire independent communication skills that are essential for social engagement and daily functioning.

At home, parents and family members often utilize PECS to support their child's language development outside formal settings. Training from professionals ensures the proper use of the system and maintains high fidelity of implementation. Consistent use across different settings promotes generalization, enabling the individual to transfer skills learned in therapy or school to natural environments.

In educational contexts, teachers incorporate PECS into classroom routines, encouraging peer interactions and student participation. The visual nature of PECS makes it accessible for learners of varying cognitive and physical abilities, promoting inclusion and reducing frustration. Additionally, PECS can decrease challenging behaviors related to communication difficulties, such as tantrums or aggression.

Within the community, PECS empowers individuals to navigate social situations more independently. Its portability and low-cost features make it suitable for use in community activities like parks, shops, and public transportation, fostering a sense of autonomy.

Importance of Training and Fidelity of Implementation

Effective use of PECS relies heavily on proper training. Pyramid Educational Consultants offers certification programs, such as Level 1 and Level 2, to ensure practitioners, parents, and teachers understand the structured phases and procedures. Maintaining fidelity to the protocol is vital for achieving desired outcomes.

Research shows that caregivers and professionals can successfully implement PECS with high procedural integrity after formal training. This standardization helps in consistent data collection, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategies as needed.

Additionally, ongoing supervision and refresher training support sustaining high-quality implementation and adapting techniques to meet individual needs.

Role of Family Involvement and Generalization

Family participation enhances the effectiveness of PECS interventions. When parents are involved in training and regular practice, they facilitate the smooth transfer of skills from therapy to everyday life.

Training family members ensures that communication opportunities are present during routine activities, increasing the chances for spontaneous use of PECS and reinforcing skills learned during formal sessions.

Furthermore, generalization is a central goal of PECS. By practicing across diverse settings and with different communication partners, learners develop more robust and flexible communication behaviors. This cross-context practice helps individuals use their communication skills effectively in real-world situations, improving their social participation and independence.

Setting	Typical Activities	Role of PECS	Supporting Factors
Therapy	Structured sessions, skill building	Systematic teaching of phases, error correction	Professional training, data collection
Home	Daily routines, family interactions	Use in familiar environment, family involvement	Parental training, consistency
School	Classroom communication, peer interaction	Integration into routines, peer modeling	Teacher training, peer support
Community	Public outings, social activities	Portable system use, community access	Community-based programs, caregiver support

In summary, PECS's adaptability and structured approach make it a preferred choice for promoting spontaneous, functional communication across many settings. Its success depends on proper training, fidelity of implementation, and active involvement of family members to ensure consistent practice and skill generalization.

The Future of PECS and Its Role in Communication Development

As research continues to support its effectiveness, PECS remains a pivotal tool in communication intervention for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its structured phases, emphasis on spontaneity, and adaptability make it a valuable approach across various settings—from clinics and schools to homes and community environments. Ongoing developments, including digital adaptations and expanded practitioner training, promise to enhance its reach and efficacy. While facing some criticisms regarding flexibility, the evidence supporting PECS’s ability to foster functional, independent communication is robust. Looking ahead, PECS is poised to remain an essential component of augmentative assistive communication strategies, driving better social inclusion and quality of life for those it serves.

References

• PECS®: An Evidence-Based Practice
• The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Using the picture exchange communication system (PECS) with ...
• Get PECS® Certified - Pyramid Educational Consultants
• Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System ...
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• What is the Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS?