PECS is one of the most widely used and researched communication systems specifically developed for autism. Here's what it actually is and how it works, in plain language.
What PECS Is
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a structured AAC method that teaches a child to communicate by physically exchanging a picture symbol for a desired item or activity. Rather than starting with pointing or asking a child to look at or select a picture, PECS begins with the child physically handing a picture to a communication partner — an approach specifically designed to make the communicative exchange itself concrete and motivating from the very first lesson.
Why PECS Starts With Exchange, Not Just Pointing
PECS was intentionally designed around physical exchange because it doesn't require prerequisite skills like eye contact or pointing that some autistic children haven't yet developed. The physical act of handing over a picture to request something creates an unambiguous, complete communicative interaction from the very beginning — there's no question about whether the "message" was received, because the exchange itself is the message.
The General Phases of PECS
PECS is typically taught through a structured sequence of phases, generally progressing from: physically exchanging a single picture for a strongly preferred item, discriminating between multiple pictures to make a specific choice, building simple sentence structures using a sentence strip ("I want ___"), and eventually expanding to answering questions, commenting, and more complex communication. Not every child progresses through every phase at the same pace, and that's normal — the system is designed to meet a child at whatever stage fits their current skills.
PECS and Spoken Language
Similar to AAC broadly, a common myth is that PECS discourages or replaces the development of spoken language. In practice, many children who start with PECS go on to develop spoken language over time, and PECS itself is often used alongside emerging speech rather than in place of it indefinitely. The goal is functional communication first — spoken language, when it develops, tends to build on that same communicative foundation.
How PECS Fits Into ABA Therapy
PECS was actually developed within an ABA framework and uses ABA principles (like prompting and reinforcement) throughout its teaching phases, which is part of why it integrates naturally into ABA treatment plans for children who could benefit from it. A BCBA can assess whether PECS specifically, versus another AAC option, is likely to be the best fit for your child's profile.
Getting Started With PECS
If PECS seems like it might be a good fit for your child, a speech-language pathologist or your child's BCBA can conduct a formal assessment and begin structured teaching. Consistency across settings — home, therapy, and school — meaningfully speeds progress, which is part of why parent training typically includes learning to support PECS use at home.
For Muskegon-Area Families
If your Muskegon-area child could benefit from PECS or another picture-based communication system, our BCBA, Kimberly Blazer, can help assess fit and incorporate it into your child's treatment plan. Our Individual ABA Therapy service is designed around exactly this kind of goal. our in-home ABA therapy in Muskegon page has more information, or Get Started Today to get started.
This article is part of our complete guide, Nonverbal Autism: Communication Strategies That Work. Clinically reviewed by Kimberly Blazer, BCBA.