Would the Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) system be beneficial for a child with a speech delay?

Question

I have only found information on this being used with Austism, but we were told my son does not have signs of autism - he just turned 2 and is only starting to talk. We did have an evalution and the PECs system was suggested as a good way to encourage communication. He currently is a dragger and pointer. Anyone have any experience with this system? We will be starting speech therapy soon, but I am anxious to get started. Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

My daughter is nearly 3 years old and has many developmental delays, she has had PT since she was 10 months old since she did not sit up until 17 months, walk until 26 months.  There is no definite diagnosis, but she has motor planning and spacial awareness issues.  She only says a few words now, and no one else but my husband or I can understand her. She can't say "Mommy" at all for example.  But she tries so hard, and is such a precious angel. We know she can hear fine, follow directions, and her intelligence is normal.  In the past few weeks we have tried using the card system for her and it seemed to work, but now she makes choices (for example an egg or cereal for breakfast) and does not eat what she chooses anyway!  It is just as easy for her to point and choose instead.  We repeat the word as we show her the card and she tries to say it too but it is not even close.  If you want it to work for your child you have to really work at it I think!  My daughter's PT and OT really seemed to help her, but with the speech she just gives up, I think we are putting too much pressure on her.  30 years ago parents did not go to such great lengths - and many children you did not talk much at age 3 or 4 are very successful adults!!  I think we are just frustrated with all these therapies in general!!  Our speech therapist actually told us that there is no chance of my daughter "growing out of" her speech problems if you can believe that !!  Best wishes to you and your son, and I hope the card system helps give him a jump start on his communication, but don't be too worried if it does not.  He is only 2!!  ** To Add:  I think the most benefit to our daughter has been looking at books with a lot of pictures and things we can name, she does try to repeat the words.  Since she loves looking at books, and magazines, she is very excited about this activity together.  We have at least 20 books that are like DK books, with real photos, and "My First Dictionary" style books.  We go to our local library every single week and take out at least 10 books also for variety.

Sorry so long winded!!  But looking up details on PECS system, I remember my therapist said that it is mostly used for older children (ages 7 and up) who are unable to communicate, as you described in your question, for autistic kids.  I am not saying good or bad, but it did not seem to work out for us, and my dughter is now 34 months (we tried it for a month last month at 33 months old ).

Answer 2

Certainly.  However, keep in mind the need to point and utter (speak) at the same time.  Make sure that you prompt the child with each picture to speak.

For example, ask a question, such as "What do you want to eat?"  Present two pictures, a burrito and a sandwich.  Allow a few seconds for a response.  Point to each picture and repeat "burrito or sandwich."  Again allow a few seconds for a response.  If the student points to what he/she wants, but does not speak, say "good choice.  You want a burrito.  Say, 'burrito.'"  pause again for a response.  When the student points and speaks at the same time, present the burrito.

Language is functional.  That is to say that we use language for a reason, to get what we want.  If we can use photo language or sign language alone to get get what we want, then there is no need to ever speak.  However, if we use a combination of these things to get what we want there is functional and neurological reinforcement.  This can be very powerful for all students, with or without a particular disability, when done properly.

By the way, PECS is a great system and has good pictures.  Any simple and realistic pictures will do.

Answer 3

If at two years old your child is able to make functionally appropriate requests. That is he can drag or point well enough to convey his meaning to you this is probably o.k. The major reason to introduce an alternative communication system is for kids that have no way or intention to communicate and may become frustrated or completing unresponsive because of their lack of communication. As kids get older also and it seems that verbal speech will be very limited alternative communication is appropriate.

There is a specific training protocol for PECS and I don't think it would be bad for your child in anyway as it increase communication, but if he is starting to talk.. even working approximations/ sounds I think I would spend more time using naturalistic teaching strategies to shape and increase his verbal utterance.

Answer 4

The PECS system is a process to increase communication. It gives kids words who do not have them. It has been demonstrated in the literature to facilitate speech and encourage speaking.

It is a program designed to provide communication, but it does not address autism, solely. It addresses any speech needs. So, PECS can meet the needs of your son regardless of his diagnosis; it is not designated for ONLY children with autism.

There are several steps or phases in the teaching process. Find a Speech Therapist to conduct the trainings or someone who has been trained as a trainer. They mainly use the Mayor-Johnson pictures and use Boardmaker to design the PECS cards, but they can tailor the system to your son. Steve D (above) did not describe the teaching process accurately. As stated above, there are 6 phases to the teaching process, and the student needs to exhibit success in each step before moving on to the next step. Some students never get through all 6 steps depending on their disability.

And, you can look it up on the internet as well in the meantime, but get an ST to implement the trainings with your son.

Answer 5

We used it for 6 month with my son when he wsa 2-2 1/2 before he was really able to speak his needs to us. It was very helpful. This needs to be done with a speech therapist trained in the system for it to work correctly.