PECS: communication through picture exchange

Created by Lori Frost and Andrew Bondy in 1985, the Picture Exchange Communication System is a communication-learning protocol based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Unlike other methods in which the non-speaking person must wait to be asked a question, PECS teaches from the first session how to drive the exchange and initiate communication independently.

Phase 1: physical exchange, taking the picture of a highly desired object and placing it in the communication partner's hand to obtain it. Phase 2: distance and persistence, fetching the picture book and moving towards the partner. Phase 3: picture discrimination, choosing the correct picture from several options in the book. Phase 4: sentence structure, composing a sentence strip with 'I want' plus the object's picture. Phase 5: answering 'What do you want?'. Phase 6: making spontaneous comments, such as 'I see' and 'I hear'.

Numerous scientific studies have proved that using PECS does not prevent speech from emerging at all. On the contrary, by stimulating communicative function and systematically associating the spoken word with the exchanged picture, the system frequently encourages verbal language to emerge in young children.

This approach offers a vital breath of fresh air to people without language and their families: finally being able to express hunger, pain or desire extinguishes the anger of frustration and weaves an invaluable relational bond.

The PECS book accompanies the person everywhere: to school, the park and the doctor's surgery. Seeing that their picture-based requests are understood and met by everyone, users open themselves to the world with joy and confidence.