Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Stage 2

PECS Picture Exchange Communication System

What is PECS? • A technique that allows a child who cannot talk clearly to request things they want.

• It teaches children to give a picture of an object to an adult who immediately gives them the item on the picture.

• The system goes on to teach a child to tell the difference (discriminate) between pictures and then how to make a simple sentence.

Getting ready for PECS • Identify powerful reinforcers – Items your child exerts effort to gain access to.

– Items your child really likes.

(May not necessarily be a tangible item, may be an activity, action or event) • Making sure that you have the correct pictures for things that your child likes.

Setting the Stage for PECS • Do not pre-empt communication – Do not anticipate and meet needs – Do not speak for your child.

• Create and capture 40 – 50 times opportunities a day for communication.

• Expect communication all day!

Phase 2 Distance and Persistence

• Objective – The chid goes to his/her communication book, pulls off a picture, goes to the communicative partner, gets their attention and releases the picture into their hand.

• Book is introduced at this phase.

• Step 1 – Remove the picture from the Communication Book.

• Step 2 – Increase the distance between the child and communicative partner.

• Step 3 – Increase the distance between the child and PECS book.

Persistence: The adult with the object should gradually make it harder for the child to get their attention.

No hand prompt is used; the child should touch the adult to get their attention.

The adult should turn their back towards the child so the child can seek the adults attention.

Eliminate the prompts During this phase it is important to eliminate ALL prompts or cues which might remind the student to communicate: • The expectant look / body language • Body Orientation (students should not wait for you to be facing them) • Eye contact

Phase 2 video clip….

Remember • the communicative partner gradually moves back from the child with each successful exchange.

• the physical prompter should assist the child to move to give the picture to the first adult.

• the communicative partner should gradually make it harder for the child to get their attention.

• Backward Chaining is still used at this stage to correct errors.

What could go wrong?

• Child stops on the way to Communicative Partner (Physical Prompter to assist to continue) • Child goes to Communicative Partner without symbol (Redirected to symbol/book by Physical Prompter) • Child goes to Communicative Partner with entire book.

(Physical Prompter use hand over hand to exchange symbol)

Remember!!!!

• Never undermine a child’s use of PECS – it is their voice.

• Never take the book or symbols away!!