Effectiveness of the picture exchange communication system for preschool children with special needs.

Abstract

Young children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder have poor communication and interpersonal skills. As a result, they are at great risk for numerous adverse academic and behavioral outcomes. A considerable amount of research suggests, however, that the Picture Communication Exchange System, an augmentative and alternative communication system improve students with ASD’s communicative competence and reduce behavioral disruptions. The present study examined the effects of PECS on the independent interactions of three, preschool males with ASD. The classroom teacher and teaching assistant used PECS whenever target students began to struggle or appeared to be on the verge of emotional outbursts. Findings indicated that PECS produced positive but variable improvements in pupil performance across both communication and interpersonal skills. Implications for practitioners and future researchers are provided.