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The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), may help develop natural communication in children who have delayed speech due to autism. The program offers prompts, exchange and repetition to reinforce the advantage of communication and ability of self expression to the extent that children may eventually learn to become verbal.

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Laminate pictures and a chart. Create your binder or "buy" a working PECS binder.
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  2. 2
    Lay out 2 to 3 picture card choices in front of the child on a clear table with minimal distractions.
  3. 3
    Instruct the child to choose from the cards lain out by saying “You choose.”
  4. 4
    Patiently wait until the child chooses, with your hand out stretched and open waiting for the child to place the card in it.
  5. 5
    Prompt the child to hand the picture card to you after they have picked it up (This exchange shows that he or she wants that food, toy or to engage in that activity).
  6. 6
    Give the child the reward. That is the small portion of the food, the object for a few minutes, or play a round of the game.
  7. 7
    Repeat with different cards to for new choices, activities and rewards.
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EditTips

  • Don't rush the child. Be patient. Have fun.

EditThings You'll Need

  • PECS Binder

EditRelated wikiHows

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Deal with an Autistic Sibling

How to
Help Your Child Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

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How to
Create a PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Chart

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Raising Children with Special Needs | Interacting with Autistic People

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