What is PECS in ABA therapy?
A picture exchange communications system (PECS) is used to teach symbolic functional communication for primarily nonverbal individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
What is the purpose of PECS?
What is the Picture Exchange Communication System? The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a way for autistic people to communicate without relying on speech. To communicate, people use cards with pictures, symbols, words or photographs to ask for things, comment on things or answer questions.
Are PECS considered ABA?
PECS is an essential technique in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Professionals looking to understand this technique and advance their careers can benefit from a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, which prepares students to effectively utilize PECS in a clinical environment.
What are the 4 PECS?
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)Phase 1 – Teaches the user 'How to communicate'Phase 2 – Teaches 'Distance and persistence'Phase 3 – Teaches 'Picture Discrimination' (although some users develop in Phases 1 & 2)Phase 4 – Teaches the user to build a 'Sentence structure'More items...
How do PECS work with autism?
People using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item. By doing so, the person is able to initiate communication.
What are the six phases of PECS?
PECs – The six steps and how to make it funStep 1: Learning How to Communicate. This begins with the student seeing the the desired object. ... Step 2: Adding Distance and Persistence. ... Step 3: Picture Discrimination. ... Step 4: Sentence Structure. ... Step 6: Commenting.
Is PECS only for autism?
PECS is only for people with Autism: PECS is frequently recommended for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to deficits in expressive language and social communication.
What are the disadvantages of PECS?
Also if it is left behind somewhere the child does not have their words with them to express themselves.” Another disadvantage of PECS is that communication is limited. If a student does not have a specific card for a specific object, they are unable to request that object using the PECS system (Kluth, 2003).
Who is a candidate for PECS?
PECS is a program to assist children to develop a communication system that allows them to meet various needs. Suitable candidates for the program include children who do not speak, who are unintelligible, or who are minimally effective communicators with their present communication system.
What are the 10 characteristics of PECS?
They identified 10 personal entrepreneurial competencies: opportunity seeking, persistence, commit- ment to work contract, risk-taking, demand for efficiency and quality, goal seeking, in- formation seeking, systematic planning and monitoring, persuasion and network- ing, self-confidence.
What are the 10 characters of PECS?
The entrepreneurial qualities, more known as the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs) are as follows: (1) Opportunity Seeking, (2) Persistence, (3) Commitment to Work Contract, (4) Risk-taking, (5) Demand for Efficiency and Quality, (6) Goal Setting, (7) Information Seeking, (8) Systematic Planning and ...
What are the examples of PECS?
The definition of pecs are the pectoral or chest muscles. An example of pecs are the large chest muscles on a body builder.
Who is PECS appropriate for?
PECS is a program to assist children to develop a communication system that allows them to meet various needs. Suitable candidates for the program include children who do not speak, who are unintelligible, or who are minimally effective communicators with their present communication system.
What is the importance of personal entrepreneurial competencies?
Entrepreneurship competency will mean employees are self-driven, responsible, innovative, and motivated about what they do. Here are the basic differences between any other employee and one with entrepreneurial competencies. The ultimate need is freedom and creativity; hence, these employees take more risks.
Is PECS only for autism?
PECS is only for people with Autism: PECS is frequently recommended for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to deficits in expressive language and social communication.
What age is PECS used for?
PECS can be an alternative communication system for those who don't speak or an augmentative communication system for those who do. PECS is only for young children. PECS has been used around the world with people aged from 14 months to 85 years.
HAS ABA CHANGED?
Whilst there has been a shift in ABA practices, there are still overtly abusive practices that still go on. Whether 'old ABA' is still going on, as an intervention, ABA still:
How does ABA work?
Whilst there has been a shift in ABA practices, there are still overtly abusive practices that still go on. Whether 'old ABA' is still going on, as an intervention, ABA still: 1 aims to reduce, eliminate and punish 'undesirable' behaviour 2 teach 'desirable' behaviour 3 focuses on changing behaviours that neurotypicals deem as unacceptable 4 follows an outdated, ableist Medical Model of disability 5 uses the same behaviour modification techniques as dog training, 6 rewards 'good' behaviour which forces children to perform 7 violates a child's body autonomy 8 is compliance based 9 encourages masking 10 is recommended between 15-40 hours a week 11 uses stigmatising, negative language e.g. problem behaviour, replacing behaviours 12 does not uphold the views of the autistic community
What is PECS in autism?
PECS is a money making goldmine that is built on ABA. The evidence base is limited - In a 2010 meta-analysis (Flippin et al.,) 11 studies were evaluated in order to assess the effectiveness of PECS in helping autistic children.
What is the purpose of ABA?
The sole purpose of ABA is to change behaviours ( or "influence the strengthening and we akening of behaviour through consequences as reinforcement and punishment" [1]. This method is attributed to B.F. Skinner who used rats and pigeons to analyse different behaviour responses.
Why do autistic children need praise?
Praise and rewards are often well-intentioned but can massively backfire, especially with autistic children. It reinforces compliance-seeking. This is well-documented. Instead of trying to develop a child's motivation through superficial methods, we should be developing the child's 'intrinsic motivation' (the child does something without obvious external rewards and instead does something out of inherent enjoyment, curiosity, and satisfaction). "Good job!", "good boy!", "you've been a really good girl today".... Contrary to the popular myth, reward systems can actually result in children performing 'poorly' and condition them to seek approval.
How does ABA affect people?
ABA DAMAGES PEOPLE. An outline of a sad face with a tear. It damages self-esteem. Even if the parent/professional is well-intentioned and believes ABA is helping the child, it's sending lots of unspoken messages to the child that they need fixing and are broken (the Medical Model of disability).
How often should I give ABA?
ABA is recommended to be delivered at a high dosage e.g. between 15-40 hours weekly. Any intervention that requires this amount of dosage I believe to be unethical.
How does PECS work?
To encourage people who are unable to speak or sign to independently communicate, PECS uses picture-based prompting and reinforcement tied to systematic error correction to teach language skills. The technique promotes nonverbal communication, as well as spoken language, in many children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. PECS has been shown to minimize tantrums and other maladaptive behaviors in children diagnosed with autism by providing a method to communicate needs, which improves their ability to socialize.
What are the skills required to become a behavior therapist?
Behavior therapists must be able to observe behavior, analyze it, think critically, and communicate the results of the analysis for practical application. The fundamental skills required to become an effective behavior therapist are at the core of Regis College’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.
What is the curriculum for Applied Behavior Analysis?
The Regis College online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis core curriculum emphasizes the skills that prepare graduates to take advantage of AAC techniques, such as PECS, in clinical settings. In addition to Concepts and Principles I: Intro to ABA and Concepts and Principles II: Experimental ABA, the program includes Treatment Evaluation, Behavior Assessment, Behavior Intervention, Radical Behaviorism, and ABA Training and Supervision. Learn more about how Regis College’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students and health professionals for a career as a behavior therapist.
What is picture exchange communication?
The Picture Exchange Communication System is a simple, low-tech method of gradually encouraging independent communication in people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or those with difficulties in communication. In the first of the six phases of the PECS program, the student is presented with pictures of single items that he or she is likely to respond to, such as a toy or specific food. In this initial phase, students are taught that by giving the card to the teacher, they receive the item itself in exchange.
What is PECS in psychology?
PECS is an essential technique in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Professionals looking to understand this technique and advance their careers can benefit from a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis , which prepares students to effectively utilize PECS in a clinical environment.
What is the fourth PECS phase?
The fourth PECS phase begins the process of constructing sentences via “sentence strips,” which combine an “I want” starter card with a “toy” card to express “I want the toy,” for example . In the fifth phase, students create question sentence strips and broaden their vocabulary of pictures and starter cards. Finally, in the sixth phase, students learn how to express their thoughts about the world so they can respond to questions such as “What are you looking at?” or “What is that sound?”
Why are picture cards important?
Picture cards have proved to be beneficial to people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who cannot communicate what they need, what they want, or what they are thinking through speech or sign language. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has become synonymous with the use of pictures to facilitate communication with autistic ...
How does PECS work?
PECS works well in the home or in the classroom. PECS was developed in 1984 by Lori Frost, MS, CCC/SLP and Dr. Andrew Bondy.
What is a PECS?
The Picture Exchange Communication System , or PECS, allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. People using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item.
How to teach expressive communication?
You must introduce and teach picture communication in a fun and motivating way for the student to want to participate in the session and to learn structured expressive communication skills. To make the communicative messages more understandable it can be beneficial to use matching picture symbols that exactly represent the activity.
Why does the listener not need special training?
The listener does not need special training because pictures are easy to understand and are often labeled. Simple matching makes initial communication easier. This is a research based intervention that is based on Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior.
Why do we start with PECS?
Starting with PECS can help avoid creating a negative emotional history related to speech.
When was PECS developed?
PECS was developed in 1984 by Lori Frost, MS, CCC/SLP and Dr. Andrew Bondy. It was first used at the Delaware Autistic Program. The goal of (PECS) is to teach children with autism a fast, self-initiating, functional communication system.
Can autism be taught in sign language?
At one time many people opposed the use of PECS and sign language to teach children with autism to communicate. They argued that these methods would hurt the development of spoken language. However, several studies have shown PECS actually helps people develop verbal language.
How Does PECS Work?
When an individual uses PECS to communicate, they use images, picture cards, or visual cues that have been designed for them through observation in order to communicate what they want or need. This system can be used to demonstrate a need for something tangible through a picture or a label and PECS can even be used to communicate some complex emotions or feelings as long as they can be represented and understood easily. Through PECS, children and adults develop communication skills, but they also learn about making choices.
What is PECS in education?
PECS is a method for communication that uses picture cards and other visual representations, such as a label or a brand name that’s been cut off of a box, to communicate what an individual needs or desires. While this system doesn’t sound complex, the growth resulting from it’s implementation in a learning environment like you might find ...
How does the Picture Exchange Communication System work?
People with autism tend to learn visually and visual aids help in a lot of areas in their lives from managing daily hygiene to eating and other tasks. PECS is a method for communication that uses picture cards and other visual representations, such as a label or a brand name that’s been cut off of a box, to communicate what an individual needs or desires . While this system doesn’t sound complex, the growth resulting from it’s implementation in a learning environment like you might find at Lexington is amazing to behold.
What is PECS therapy?
A therapist will also be able to determine timelines, adding in time to wait and allow the parent the ability to say “not right now” without discouraging communication. Through PECS people are able to expand their understanding of verbal communication through nonverbal language practices.
Why is PECS controversial?
Surprisingly this system for communication was, at one time, considered controversial because people thought that it might hinder the development of spoken language. However, studies have shown that even as a communication augmentation for people who don’t struggle verbally, PECS can increase verbal understanding and socialization while decreasing tantrums that stem from miscommunication.
How to teach a child to pick up a picture?
Place the picture in front of the child, hold the toy or snack in your hand. Guide the child to pick up the picture and give it to you. Once you have the picture state the name, for example Goldfish, and give the child the goldfish.
What are the pros and cons of using PECS?
The con to PECS is that, while the type of communication is encouraged for use in the home, it requires experts to implement and perfect. If you have an interest in helping your child to communicate through PECS, you’ll need some expert help to get started.
Who is a candidate for PECS training?
PECS training is not limited by age but rather by a small set of criteria. Thus, PECS training could be offered to a fifty year old adult with a cognitive impairment as well as to a two year old with no cognitive impairment.
What is the PECS training format?
Programming for PECS begins with three people in the training situation, the child (or adult) who will be transmitting a message, the person who receives the message (e.g., Mom or the teacher), and the facilitative adult who deliberately assists the message sender to make the targeted response.
What is the picture exchange communication system?
The Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS approach is a modified applied behavior analysis program designed for early nonverbal symbolic communication training . It is not a program designed to teach speech, although the latter is encouraged indirectly and some children begin to spontaneously use speech while enrolled in the PECS program. The PECS training program was developed at the Delaware Autistic Program. PECS training occurs during typical activities within the natural settings of the classroom and the home. The communication training occurs within a broader positive behavioral support context entitled the Pyramid Approach. Training techniques include strategies such as chaining, prompting/cuing, modeling, and environmental engineering. (See the training manual, video, and other print material published by Lori Frost and Andrew Bondy for details about the program.)
What is PECS used for?
Although the PECS strategy is primarily used with individuals who are nonverbal, it could be used with individuals who are primarily echolalic, those who have unintelligible speech, and those who have only a small set of meaningful words or signs in their repertoire.
What is the first step in PECS?
Sampling for preferences is a first step before beginning PECS training. It may be necessary to develop a repertoire of preferences and dislikes through trial and error or through a history of exposure to various types of food, objects, or activities when there are few strong preferences.
How to train for PECS?
Professional training regarding PECS is required in order to implement the program as designed. Generally the training is provided at a two-day workshop. While speech pathologists might be the primary PECS program coordinator for a specific child, it is helpful to have others also attend the two-day trainings since they too will play an important role. These others could include parents, the classroom teacher, and classroom assistants. They will be important in identifying new vocabulary and may help construct some of the picture display symbols as well as provide the nonverbal individual with opportunities to use/learn the new vocabulary. Although many people receive their initial training from a Pyramid Educational Consultant, others may receive their training through a train-the-trainer model from a local individual who has had training beyond the two-day orientation and is certified to train others.
What is the purpose of PECs?
PECS helps to teach the concept of the power of alternative communication. If one has no or weak preferences, then it may be more difficult to understand and learn the POWER of effective alternative communication via the PECS approach. Sampling for preferences is a first step before beginning PECS training.
What is PECS training?
In the early stages of training, PECS teaches students to exchange a picture of a desired item for the actual item. Next steps in training include teaching expansion of vocabulary, including attributes (e.g., “big”, “red”) and commenting (e.g., “I like swinging”). Research Summary: Studies show that PECS is effective in teaching communication ...
What is a PECS?
Description:, PECS is a methodology that uses pictures and other symbols to develop a functional communication system for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). In the early stages of training, PECS teaches students to exchange a picture of a desired item for the actual item.
How effective is PECS?
Research Summary: Studies show that PECS is effective in teaching communication skills that involve single words or short phrases, and that these communication skills may generalize to everyday settings. Ongoing consultation from an expert in PECS is likely to improve outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders who receive this ...
What is a PECS card?
PECS is a method that can be used to help children build expressive communication skills. In this system, children use cards with pictures and symbols to communicate with other people. Using PECS, children will have cards of different types of food and other essential items, which they will trade in to receive that item. For example, if a child wants to eat cereal for breakfast, they would trade in their card with the picture of a bowl of cereal.
How can PECS be used in ABA?
PECS can be extremely helpful in ABA therapy when children are still developing their speech and communication skills. After developing speech skills, children can expand upon these expressive communication skills and learn discrimination (both simple and conditional) and sentence structure skills, for example. Children will also learn to use descriptive vocabulary, such as adjectives, rather than using just simple nouns. Last, they will learn to request different items (express their needs or wants) and comment without prompting. PECS may not be a perfect solution for every child, but it can be a helpful tool to have in your ABA toolbox!
What is ABA therapy?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a method of intervention that examines the function of behaviors in order to build positive behaviors and resolve problematic behaviors. ABA therapy targets many different skills ranging from language and communication to social skills, using positive reinforcement to encourage behaviors.
How many phases are there in PECS?
As children use the PECS system in ABA therapy, they will advance through six different phases. The first phrase begins with “How to Communicate” and ends with the sixth phase, “Commenting.”
Can you use PECS to make communication books?
If your child enjoys learning through interactive games or a tablet, PECS also has apps that you can use to make communication books. Click here if you are interested in learning more about PECS apps!
Do children with PECS have speech?
Some children who use PECS do not have speech skills, so they use the PECS cards as an alternative to speech. However, some children who use PECS have developed some speech skills and will use PECS in addition to their speech.
What is a PECs system?
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS®) created by A ndy Bondy, PhD and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC-SLP is an AAC system based on rewards and compliance. PECS® requires a non-speaking child to give a picture to a communication partner (trainer) in order to receive a concrete outcome (high value reinforcer), (Bondy & Frost, 1994). Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is embedded throughout PECS® because the system is based upon the work of behavioral scientist B.F. Skinner’s 1957 Verbal Behavior framework of language training curricula for persons with severe developmental disabilities [1]. Specifically, PECS® uses Operant Conditioning, which is a behavior technique that can be used to target and increase a behavior by pairing performance of the target behavior with a positive or rewarding outcome. [2] Per Andy Bondy, inventor of PECS®, “Skinner’s analysis of Verbal Behavior forms the basis for teaching particular skills at specific points in the training sequence and also provides guidelines for how best to design the teaching strategies. [3] ” PECS® uses picture-based prompting and reinforcement tied to error correction in order to teach language skills. The method allows the trainer to artificially cause frustration through the withholding of highly desired objects or food until the targeted behavior is achieved, even if the communicator becomes upset or angry. It is not a natural or nice way to teach language.
Why do communicators use familiar boards?
When a board is used over and over, the communicator memorizes exactly where pictures/words are located.
What is PECS in teaching?
PECS® uses picture-based prompting and reinforcement tied to error correction in order to teach language skills . The method allows the trainer to artificially cause frustration through the withholding of highly desired objects or food until the targeted behavior is achieved, even if the communicator becomes upset or angry.
What is PECS in language?
It is not a natural or nice way to teach language. PECS® is low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). There are six phases: Phase one: Trainer identifies what motivates the child the most, a “highly desired item.
What do you want in the 6th phase?
Sixth phase: In addition to responding to “What do you want?” the child will learn to differentiate between this and similar questions, such as “What do you have?” and “What do you see?” The child should begin to be able spontaneously to distinguish between the questions and respond with the appropriate carrier phrases learned in phase IV: “I want ____,” “ I see ______,” “I hear _____,” etc. [4]
What is the fourth phase of a child's life?
Fourth phase: The child learns to make simple sentences to make requests: “I want…” The child gets the desired food/object when they make the sentence.
Why do dogs communicate?
Even the animals communicate for reasons other than responding to withheld reinforcing stimuli. In fact, “Prairie dogs appear to have one of the most extensive vocabularies in the animal world. Not only can they use words to tell each other about an approaching threat, but they can also add in descriptive language to communicate the type of threat, including size, shape and even advancing speed.” [7]
