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How to find Pictures for PECS

Communication is one of the biggest obstacles people with autism face. Spoken words are fleeting and difficult to retain for individuals with this neurological condition. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an alternative form of communication that uses images instead of words.

Caretakers, teachers and therapists benefit from creating a vast collection of images (usually in two-inch by two-inch cards). Read on for some steps to take to build a solid compilation for the PECS program.

Things You'll Need

  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (autism) diagnosis
  • Writing instrument and paper
  • Treatment plan
  • Camera
  • Personal Computer
  • Markers
  • Glue stick
  • Card Stock Paper
  • Fabric Hook-and-Loop Fasteners
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Instructions

  1. Network with Professionals

    • 1

      Make a list of food, objects and directions that are part of the child needs to use on a regular basis. It helps to create the list little by little as ideas come to mind.

    • 2

      Request that the Picture Exchange Communication System is included in the child's treatment plan. Include facilitating communication using PECS in the list of goals and objectives. Outline expected outcomes for the goals and how the PECS will help achieve them.

    • 3

      Stress your interest in using the Picture Exchange Communication System when attending appointments and meetings. Ask for a small collection of commonly used words.

    • 4

      Contact the child's speech therapist, TSS or case manager to make additional requests. These professional usually has access to a plethora of images for the Picture Exchange Communication System.

    Get Creative

    • 5

      Use the list of desirable objects including food, activities and toys to as a basis for images to collect. It helps to focus on things that are very motivating and on things that are very challenging.

    • 6

      Sort through the current collection to determine what needs to be added. Make sure to remember transitions like getting ready for bed, getting dressed and preparing to eat.

    • 7

      Take photographs of favorite toys, objects, foods and upload them onto a computer. Crop and resize the photographs to a convenient size. Print the images and glue them to card stock paper.

    • 8

      Draw simple pictures with marker. These can include concepts that can be difficult to find like the alphabet and specific drills and activities in the treatment plan.

    • 9

      Browse the Internet for PECS that can be downloaded. Some sites offer free resources while others charge a modest fee for services. The latter will have larger collections.

    • 10

      Attach fabric hook-and-loop fasteners to the back of the pictures. The images can be attached to visual schedules, refrigerators and learning areas. This allows for quick, convenient access and easy storage.

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