Parenting is a journey filled with joy, love and discovery, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. One challenge many parents are up against is supporting their non verbal child. As children develop, they begin a complex journey of language development, social interaction, and self-expression. Some may face hurdles along the way, making it crucial for parents to understand their child’s unique needs.
You may have noticed that your child doesn’t communicate in the same way as your friend’s child or your other children. Perhaps someone such as a speech therapist has suggested that you use a communication strategy like PECS to support your child to communicate. But what is PECS, and how can it help you?
Communicating with symbols / pictures
PECS is short for The Picture Exchange Communication System, which is a symbol-based tool that anyone can use to express themselves. PECS is an Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) system. An AAC can be used when speech hasn’t yet developed or to add extra detail or clarity to existing speech.
At the beginning PECS simply teaches a child to make a request by exchanging a picture, rather than using behaviour or pulling you over to the cupboard to access a desired item. As the child’s skills grow, so does the system, expanding to short sentences and then onto longer and more complex language, reflecting that of their peers.
The vocabulary used in PECS is based upon what is interesting and important to the child, so each PECS user will develop their own symbol book. Some parents might worry that their child needs to know what the pictures mean before they begin, thankfully this is a myth – learn more about myths surrounding PECS. The PECS phases can teach a child that the different symbols mean different outcomes.
Each child’s symbols are stored in their own communication book that is easily portable to ensure they are accessible at any time. After all we never know when our child might want to ask for tickles or a hug, so those symbols need to be ready! Other PECS products are available to ensure communication opportunities are not missed.
Supporting Speech
Another concern parents have when introducing an alternative system is that it will stop their child from speaking, this is a not true! PECS can support and sometimes even helps users learn to talk; it doesn’t stop speech from developing. You can read more about this here. Throughout the different phases of PECS, strategies are specifically used to encourage a child to talk, any speech that they already have is actively encouraged. Here is a helpful video overview of the six phases of PECS.
PECS has proven to be especially effective for those with ASD and is listed on the NHS website along with Makaton and Signalong. Parents are best placed to speak for their child, especially when the child cannot effectively communicate themselves.
If you want to learn more about PECS to help inform your decisions, you could watch a video or look on the PECS UK website.
Good luck on your journey with your child!
by Louise Maggs, Clinical Director
© Pyramid Educational Consultants 2024