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DownSyn Forum > General > Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
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Topic: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

03-23-2006 01:30 PM

naomid   Super Member Location: California Registered: Apr 2003 Posts: 2809 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Anyone have any experience with this? On Callum's IEP they have listed that he should start using a PECS system, I'd never really heard of it before and let it slide during the meeting but now I'm wondering if it's the appropriate thing for Callum. For what I'm reading it's used mainly for kids with Austism (not Callum), kids who are non-verbal (not Callum) and kids who wont initiate communication (not Callum). Callum loves to talk and sing, he'll answer questions, request stuff, talks constantly during pretend play, etc. His articulation is pretty bad but he has over 100 word approximations and probably about 15 words that could be understood by a stranger. __________________ Naomi Mum to Callum (DS) 3/03 and Kieran 8/04 Read all about us

03-23-2006 02:33 PM

LinMac   Senior Member Location: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Oct 2005 Posts: 581 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Naomi Why did they feel this would help Callum? What areas would this improve for him? Who recommended this? We were told about the PECS system when we did our sign course a few months ago. I understood that this was a communication method using pictures for older kids that have VERY limited speech and communications. Infact I understood PECS would be the last resort communication method, if that makes sense. In other words it would only be considered where your child wasn't showing any sign of progress at communications with speech or sign. It sounds like Callum is making good attempts at sign and communications, all things that say he is acquiring language and understanding. He is making progress. You are right, a friend of mine has a boy of six who has autism and he uses the PECS system. He has no speech. I think I'd ask more questions and or a second opinion on this one Naomi! __________________ Linda & John mom to Hannah Kate (Age 7), Robert (04/16/2004, DS)

03-23-2006 02:44 PM

Stephanie   Super Member Location: Yardley, PA Registered: Feb 2004 Posts: 2612 Last visit: 03-23-2006

Naomi- This was mentioned to me by several people and we started using it but it is a BIG COMMITTMENT! You always have to carry around the pictures...you need him to associate the pictures with the proper thing and give him a variety to choose from. WE slowly stopped doing this as it became a job in itself and was not worth the stress. I believe their is a PECS website that has free images to download...so not expensive...but definetly timely. It is just another option like signing to aid in communication. __________________ Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97 Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03 Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

03-23-2006 02:46 PM
Tom   Administrator Location: Long Island, NY Registered: Jun 2000 Posts: 1179 Last visit: 03-24-2006	Mikey uses PECS because he is non-verbal. I don't see why someone who talks would need it. __________________ Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (8 - Ds and PDD-NOS) My Blog

03-23-2006 02:59 PM

naomid   Super Member Location: California Registered: Apr 2003 Posts: 2809 Last visit: 03-24-2006

This was recommended by the speech therapist who did his evaluation for transitioning to the school district. I have a feeling that the reason it has been recommended is that it's used in the SDC where they want to place him (and where we don't want to place him.) I talked with Callum's current ST this morning and he also didn't think it was the right thing for Callum. Unfourtunately we did sign the part of the IEP that deals with goals, now it looks like we need to retract my signature. I knew I shouldn't sign that thing! Thanks everyone. __________________ Naomi Mum to Callum (DS) 3/03 and Kieran 8/04 Read all about us

03-23-2006 05:26 PM

** Hannah's mom ** UK   Super Moderator Location: West Midlands UK Registered: Jun 2004 Posts: 3852 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Naomi we were also suggested PECS with Hannah. Again like all the others said, we were suggested it as Hannah had limited signing ( well virtually no signing when first suggested ) and no speech as she wasn't using Makaton sign language they suggested PECS its sounds to me as if Callum is doing just fine as he is and it is a pain to have to keep doing pictures all the time I take pictures on my camera, print and laminate them It has benefited Hannah but she doesn't speak so it seems that this doesn't apply to Callum __________________ Jo mummy to Hannah (DS ) who was 3 in July 05 and Rebecca who was 2 in Jan 06 My beautiful girls Baby 3 due April 10th 2006 Visit Hannah's webpage and read all about her journey

03-23-2006 05:37 PM
Tom   Administrator Location: Long Island, NY Registered: Jun 2000 Posts: 1179 Last visit: 03-24-2006	We were told that even if the child is signing, the PECS system is still worthwhile because a babysitter, for example, won't know the signs so the PECS system can help communication. __________________ Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (8 - Ds and PDD-NOS) My Blog

03-23-2006 05:45 PM

** Hannah's mom ** UK   Super Moderator Location: West Midlands UK Registered: Jun 2004 Posts: 3852 Last visit: 03-24-2006

One idea someone gave to us ( which we will probably use when we move to the new house ) was pictures laminated and a magnet strip on them they then put them on the fridge and if the child needed something they would take the appropriate picture of the fridge to what they needed __________________ Jo mummy to Hannah (DS ) who was 3 in July 05 and Rebecca who was 2 in Jan 06 My beautiful girls Baby 3 due April 10th 2006 Visit Hannah's webpage and read all about her journey

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