ABSTRACT
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed as a means to teach
children with autism and related developmental disabilities a rapidly acquired, self-initiating,
functional communication system. Its theoretical roots combine principles from applied
behavior analysis and guidelines established within the field of alternative and augmentative
communication. This approach has several potential advantages relative to imitation-based
strategies (both vocal and gestural) and symbol selection strategies. The system begins
with the exchange of simple icons but rapidly builds “sentence” structure. The system
also emphasizes developing the request function prior to developing responding to
simple questions and commenting. The development of requesting with a sentence structure
also permits the rapid development of attributes more traditionally taught within
a receptive mode. The relationship between the introduction of PECS and various other
behavioral issues (i.e., social approach and behavior management) as well as its relationship
to the codevelopment of speech are reviewed.
KEY WORDS
autism - functional communication - initiation
