What is PECS?
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a way to communicate and teach functional communication through pictures. Suitable for all ages with various cognitive, physical and communication challenges.
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Using the PECS teaching framework, the learner uses the pictures to create spontaneous requests. The individual is taught to present a single picture of a desired item or action to a “communication partner”, who immediately recognises the receipt of the picture as a request.
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In the more advanced phases, we enable individuals to use modifiers, answer questions and comment. Research has shown that learners using PECS also develop speech. Others may transition to a speech generating device (SGD). The body of research supporting the effectiveness of PECS as an evidence-based practice is substantial and continues to expand this method all over the world.
Who's PECS for?
PECS can effectively be used to enhance learners’ ability to communicate. It is suitable for learners with communication difficulties associated with autism, down syndrome, mutism and other difficulties to verbalise thoughts, difficulties in articulation, those not initiating communication, or using multiple-word communication, to support the learners in their requests.
Can be adapted for bilingual.
How is it taught and implemented?
The PECS framework is organised in 6 clear phases to ensure concrete progress and assessment. During the learning process the teacher introduces functional learning content.
Phase 1: How to communicate
Phase 2: Distance and persistence
Phase 3: Simple discrimination - Conditional discrimination
Phase 4: Sentence structure + Attributes
Phase 5: What do you want?
Phase 6: Commenting
After that it open the door of all possible.
PECS can also be a support to replace undesirable behaviour with acceptable behavior.
The training is delivered by Clémence Whitten
(click here for more information). Your consultant will work with the learner, their guardians and other care workers and teaching staff, as applicable and appropriate to ensure continuity and understanding of the learning process and PECS toolkit.
For more information
What will my child achieve through PECS?
The aim of the PECS system is to enable your child to achieve spontaneous communication.
PECS can also be a support to replace undesirable behaviour with acceptable behaviour.
It can be used to teach functional skills around the learners’ areas of interests (colours, shapes, numbers, Yes-No, sequential activities though the day)
Teaching is adapted according to the needs and interests of the learner.
The key aim of PECS is to enable an independent ability to express themselves and cope with societal interaction.
Will my child learn to speak through using PECS?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed in each case. Each learner's needs and abilities differ tremendously. The most important thing as a parent or teacher is to provide the best possible toolkit and methodology to allow the learner to achieve their full potential.
The PECS system teaches learners to differentiate between pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, we enable individuals to use modifiers, answer questions and comment. Research has shown that some learners using PECS also develop speech. Others may transition to a speech generating device (SGD).
Each learner has his abilities and capacities and the teacher will try to reach this goal, we will encourage them to speak by using concrete strategies to express themselves but will never force the learner. The main idea is to build the learner’s confidence and if an image is exchanged to express something, we will be satisfied and congratulate them to create positive reinforcement.
Who can use PECS ?
You, me everybody. But most of all the learner.
They can use PECS everywhere for any occasion to ask, comment and interact in daily life.
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PECS can be used in the home, in educational and care settings, by all people.
Initial training is required so that the PECS toolkit is being used consistently and efficiently to allow the learner the best opportunities for growth.
What does PECS cost?
The price of the materials is reasonable and these can be used in all environments.
It is most of all a question of gaining the required skills and knowledge to implement the methodology. This requires a qualified consultant to work with yourself and your child. It is an investment in your child's future.
For details of our pricing plans, please
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Or contact us directly for a consultation