PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) therapy is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used to teach individuals with autism and other developmental disorders how to communicate.

The therapy is based on the idea that an individual with autism can learn to communicate by exchanging pictures of objects, people, or actions with others.

During PECS therapy, the individual is taught to use pictures to request items or actions. For example, if the individual wants a drink, they would hand the therapist a picture of a drink.

The therapist would then provide the drink to the individual. Over time, the individual learns to associate the picture with the desired item or action and can use the picture to communicate their needs and wants.

The PECS therapy process involves six phases, starting with teaching the individual to give a picture to a communicative partner. The next phase is teaching the individual to receive a picture and make a request, then to respond to yes/no questions, then to comment, and finally to make a spontaneous request.

The PECS therapy is considered to be an effective communication tool for individuals with autism as it helps them to learn to communicate using visual aids. It has been proven to significantly increase the communication abilities of individuals with autism, which can greatly improve their quality of life.

It is important to note that PECS therapy is not a standalone treatment for autism, but it can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy to help improve communication skills. The therapy should also be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences as every person with autism is unique.

Summary

In summary, PECS therapy is a form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used to teach individuals with autism and other developmental disorders how to communicate by exchanging pictures of objects, people, or actions with others.

It is considered to be an effective communication tool that can improve the quality of life for individuals with autism when used in conjunction with other therapies.

Feel free to browse our archive for more articles helping raise children with autism or have a look at our simple speech therapy guide for parents.