PECS and Autism: Picture Exchange Communication System
This paper examines the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a treatment approach for children with autism spectrum disorder. It begins by outlining autism's developmental characteristics and the range of available treatments, then describes PECS as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) method that uses images in place of speech. The paper details PECS's six progressive phases, from initiating basic exchanges to commenting on the environment. It compares PECS with related approaches such as TEACCH and Voice Output Communication Aids, and concludes by weighing the system's practical advantages — including ease of use and low material cost — against its disadvantages, such as training expenses and the ongoing demands placed on teachers and caregivers.
- Introduction to Autism and Its Treatments: Autism overview and available treatment approaches
- What Is PECS?: Definition and purpose of the PECS system
- The Six Phases of PECS: Step-by-step breakdown of all six PECS phases
- Comparisons with Other Communication Systems: PECS compared to TEACCH and voice output aids
- Advantages of PECS: Key benefits of PECS for children and caregivers
- Disadvantages of PECS: Costs, limitations, and ongoing demands of PECS
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What makes this paper effective
- The paper follows a clear compare-and-contrast structure, systematically placing PECS in context alongside TEACCH and Voice Output Communication Aids before evaluating it on its own merits.
- It balances practical detail — walking through all six PECS phases — with a fair assessment of real-world costs and demands, giving readers both conceptual and applied understanding.
- The introduction efficiently establishes the topic's scope, and each section builds logically on the last, making the argument easy to follow for readers unfamiliar with autism interventions.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates disciplined use of compare-and-contrast organization. Rather than simply describing PECS in isolation, the writer situates it within the broader landscape of autism treatments, identifying what distinguishes PECS from TEACCH and AAC devices. This technique is most visible in the "Comparisons" section, where specific structural and philosophical differences are named rather than implied.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with a brief orientation to autism and its treatments, then narrows to PECS with a functional definition. A dedicated section covers the six phases in sequential order. Two comparison subjects (TEACCH and Voice Output Communication Aids) are then evaluated. Separate sections cover advantages and disadvantages, allowing readers to weigh benefits against costs before drawing their own conclusions. The bibliography follows APA formatting conventions.
Introduction to Autism and Its Treatments
Autism is a developmental disorder affecting communication skills, caused by abnormalities in the brain or nervous system. Symptoms usually surface within the first three years of life. Treatments take the form of picture communication systems, medication, dietary interventions, and social interaction programs. Among these, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) appears to be one of the most effective, operating through six structured phases. It carries both advantages and disadvantages that practitioners and families should carefully consider.
Autism is a developmental disorder involving the brain and communication skills (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012). The causes of this physical abnormality remain unknown, although genetic factors appear to play an important role. Language abnormalities among the relatives of autistic children are a commonly noted observation. Chromosomal and nervous system abnormalities have also been observed. Autism typically becomes evident within the first three years of life. Most autistic children experience difficulty with pretend play, social interactions, and both verbal and nonverbal communication (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012).
Successful treatment is focused on the child's specific needs (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012). Approaches include applied behavior analysis (ABA), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), medications, dietary changes, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy. Visual aids are also found to be helpful. Alternative approaches have also been developed, among them the Picture Exchange Communication System (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012).
What Is PECS?
PECS is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that uses images instead of speech-based communication techniques, with the purpose of helping autistic children communicate (Prontes, 2012; PEC, 2012). The child hands a picture to a communication partner or teacher in exchange for the item the picture represents. It provides the child with a functional outlet for expressing what he or she would normally convey through speech. It can be introduced as early as age two to help the child initiate conversation and express needs to others. The observation is that the child's condition tends to improve as his or her ability to communicate increases.
Using this system allows the child to communicate about things already present in his or her actual environment. As an ABA-based approach, PECS enables careful monitoring and the use of positive reinforcement techniques necessary for teaching behavioral steps and practices (Prontes, 2012; PEC, 2012).
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