Benefits and Uses of PECS

The Picture Exchange Communication System has many benefits to the program including but not limited to:

  • Teaches students functional communication
  • Promotes the development of speech
  • It is a tangible form of communication – to complete the communication a recipient must physically accept the message – it focuses on the deliverance of communication with another individual which promotes social interaction
  • Teaches initiative – students learn that if they want to communicate something with another individual, they have to initiate the conversation instead of waiting for someone to notice or ask them
  • Teaches students alternative strategies of gaining the attention of others to ones that may appear to be harmful behaviours
  • Decreases the risk of miscommunication or misunderstandings through the use of labelled pictures
  • Inexpensive and accessible – is lightweight and can be carried around
  • There are no prerequisite skills for students to use this program – they do not need to be able to know what the pictures on the cards are for the beginning phases
  • The instructional strategies in the beginning phases of using this resource can be customized to each student and their interests
  • It teaches students to functional communication in a variety of environments
  • Can be implemented at any age to increase communication skills
The Picture Exchange Communication System is also very useful as it:

  • It teaches students lifelong communication skills
  • The pictures are labelled - allows recipient a clear and direct understanding of wants
  • It allows students to progress through the stages and expand on the skills they learn from the previous phase
  • It draws on visual perceptiveness rather than fine motor skills that other forms of communication (i.e., sign language) might require
  • It is evidence based and developed off of behaviour analysis
  • It is a structured resource
  • Can be implemented at any age to increase communication skills
  • This resource is not only used for individuals with Autism, it can also be used for a wide variety of exceptionalities

Sources Used: 

Christine Reeve. 10 Reasons Why I Like the Picture Exchange Communication System https://autismclassroomresources.com/10-reasons-why-i-like-picture-exchange/ 

Pyramid Educational Consultants. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) https://pecs-canada.com/pecs/ 

Pyramid Educational Consultants. A Clear Picture: The Uses and Benefits of PECS http://www.pecs.com/webcasts/overview.php









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