What Are PECS in ABA?

An example of a PECS card

Communication is a cornerstone of human connection. But for individuals with autism or other development challenges, expressing needs, wants, and feelings can be incredibly difficult. That's where Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) comes in. Developed in the 1980s by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, PECS is a powerful tool used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help nonverbal or minimally verbal individuals communicate effectively.

What is PECS?

PECS is a structured communication system that uses pictures instead of words. It's designed to teach functional communication in a way that's accessible and empowering. Rather than relying on speech, individuals learn to exchange pictures to express their needs, make requests, and engage socially.

PECS is typically introduced in six progressive phases:

1. Phase I: How to Communicate

   Learners are taught to hand a picture of a desired item to a communication partner.

2. Phase II: Distance and Persistence

   Learners practice seeking out communication partners and traveling to them to exchange pictures.

3. Phase III: Picture Discrimination

   Learners choose between two or more pictures to request specific items.

4. Phase IV: Sentence Structure

   Learners begin forming simple sentences using a sentence strip (e.g., "I want + [item]").

5. Phase V: Answering Questions

   Learners respond to questions like "What do you want?" using picture-based sentences.

6. Phase VI: Commenting

   Learners expand communication to include comments (e.g., "I see a dog.")

Why PECS is Beneficial

PECS isn't just about pictures; it's about building independence, reducing frustration, and fostering meaningful interaction. Here's how:

• Promotes Functional Communication

  PECS focuses on real-world communication needs, helping individuals express themselves in everyday situations.

• Reduces Challenging Behaviors

  Many behavioral issues stem from communication barriers. PECS gives individuals a way to be heard, which can reduce tantrums, aggression, or withdrawal.

• Supports Language Development

  While PECS is nonverbal, it often serves as a bridge to spoken language. Many users begin to vocalize as they gain confidence in communication.

• Empowers Autonomy

  By giving individuals control over their environment by choosing what they want and expressing preferences, PECS fosters independence and self-advocacy.

• Adaptable Across Settings

  PECS can be used at home, in school, in therapy, or in the community. It's flexible and customizable to each learner's needs.

PECS in Practice

Imagine a child who struggles to speak but loves apples. With PECS, they can hand over a picture of an apple to request one. Over time, they might build a sentence like "I want apple," or even comment "Apple is red." These small exchanges open the door to deeper learning, social interaction, and emotional expression.

Final Thoughts

PECS is more than a communication tool; it's a lifeline for many individuals navigating the world without words. In the context of ABA, it's a data-driven, evidence-based approach that meets learners where they are and helps them grow. Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, understanding PECS can transform how you support communication and connection.