A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism

A Picture's Worth, the PECS primer written by the developers of the Picture Exchange Communication System, is now available in a second edition. This user-friendly guide introduces PECS, a simple and empowering communication tool in which partners exchange cards with photos or line drawings representing objects, attributes, and actions. A child or adult who has delayed or no speech can easily express his basic desires (e.g., Òice creamÓ) or needs using a PECS card without prompting from another. And as a person's PECS usage progresses, he or she learns to put pictures together in sentences to express desires (e.g., ÒI want chocolate ice cream.Ó), to comment, and to ask questions.

A Picture's Worth examines verbal communication development and how autism affects these skills, and shows how a child's poor communication skills can lead to problem behaviours. Providing communication options; PECS and the other augmentative and alternative communication strategies (AAC) described in the book; reduces frustration and enhances learning.

This new edition cites research that proves PECS (and other AAC strategies) doesn't interfere with the development of speaking skills, and actually can provide a boost to the acquisition of these skills. There's also expanded information on:

• Deciding whether a child needs AAC and could benefit from PECS
• Who is an appropriate candidate for PECS
• Error correction strategies during the initial stages of PECS
• How to choose challenging behaviours to try to eliminate
• What to do when a child does not look at pictures

Thousands of people with autism and other disabilities have benefited from using PECS. The book's complete set of introductory lessons makes it easy for parents and therapists to get started using this low-tech strategy to help young children through adults develop effective communication skills!

Download File

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

What is Communication?

The Other Side of the Communication Coin: Understanding

Can't Talk? Can't Communicate?

Why Is She Doing That? The Relationship between Behavior and Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Initial Training

Advanced Lessons within PECS

Using Visual Strategies to Enhance Understanding

Resources

Index