Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for ABA Therapy

Key Points:

• PECS is a structured communication system that uses pictures to help non-verbal individuals express needs and wants.
• It plays a vital role in ABA therapy by promoting functional, meaningful communication.
• The system progresses through clear phases, building independence and confidence in children with speech and language challenges.

Communication doesn’t always start with words. For many children with autism or speech delays, PECS is the first real step toward expressing thoughts and feelings. It gives them a voice—and gives parents new ways to understand and respond with confidence and love.

What Is the Picture Exchange Communication System in ABA Therapy?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a structured, evidence-based method used in ABA therapy to teach children to communicate using pictures. Especially designed for individuals with limited or no speech, PECS empowers them to express needs, make choices, and initiate conversations—skills that many children with autism struggle with. When used consistently, PECS becomes a powerful bridge between silence and communication.

In the context of the picture exchange communication system ABA, children are taught to hand over a picture of an object, action, or person to a communication partner to get that item or response. This simple yet effective exchange lays the groundwork for more complex language and social interaction. It reduces frustration and behavior challenges caused by the inability to communicate effectively.

Why Is PECS Used in ABA Therapy?

PECS is more than just a set of pictures—it's a teaching approach rooted in behavioral science. It aligns with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis by reinforcing meaningful communication behaviors.

Many children with autism and other developmental delays use behavior, like crying, grabbing, or tantrums, as a way to express themselves. PECS shifts that behavior into something more constructive and understandable. It gives these children a voice—literally through images—so their wants and needs are heard and respected.

Another benefit is that PECS doesn’t require prerequisite skills like eye contact, pointing, or speech. Children can begin learning PECS right away, making it ideal for early intervention. For many families, it’s the first step toward developing richer communication and deeper connections.

What Are the Phases of PECS?

The PECS system is designed to be simple yet progressive. It includes six clearly defined phases that gradually move a child from basic exchanges to more advanced sentence structures.

Each phase builds on the previous one, giving the child consistent structure and increasing confidence. Let’s walk through each step to understand how the system evolves.

1. Phase I: How to Communicate

Children learn that giving a picture gets them something they want. For example, they hand over a picture of an apple to receive an apple. This phase focuses on making the connection between the image and the reward.

Two adults often assist the child, one prompting and one receiving. The goal is to create repeated opportunities for success and build the understanding that communication works.

2. Phase II: Distance and Persistence

In this phase, children learn to seek out the picture and approach a communication partner. They practice going across the room or working through distractions to complete the exchange. This builds independence and initiative.

3. Phase III: Picture Discrimination

Now the child learns to choose between two or more pictures. This is where decision-making begins. For example, selecting between “ball” and “car” lets the child express clear preferences.

The pictures are stored in a communication book—often a simple binder with Velcro strips—and the child learns how to navigate it.

4. Phase IV: Sentence Structure

Here, the child starts building simple sentences using a sentence strip. They might form a strip like “I want + cracker” by combining pictures. This is a major leap in communication and promotes grammar awareness, even without spoken language.

5. Phase V: Responding to Questions

Children learn to answer the question “What do you want?” by using the sentence strip. It encourages back-and-forth exchanges, setting the foundation for conversation skills.

6. Phase VI: Commenting and More

The final phase introduces spontaneous comments and responses like “I see” or “I hear.” This phase is about expanding communication beyond requests and into social sharing, observations, and engagement.

Who Is PECS Best Suited For?

PECS is especially beneficial for young children with autism who are non-verbal or have limited spoken language. But it's also used with individuals of all ages who face communication barriers due to developmental or intellectual disabilities.

The key factor is intentional communication. If your child shows interest in certain items or reacts strongly to needs not being met, PECS may be a great fit. It taps into that motivation to get a need met—and teaches a productive, respectful way to do it.

Parents often worry that using PECS will delay or prevent speech. Research shows the opposite—many children begin to develop verbal skills as they use PECS. It provides a launching point for language development, not a replacement.

What Makes PECS Different from Other AAC Systems?

There are many Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, but PECS stands out due to its behavioral foundation and teaching approach. It's not just about handing a child a device—it's about actively teaching them how to communicate.

PECS is highly structured and built around reinforcement principles. The act of exchanging a picture becomes a learned, intentional behavior that is positively reinforced. It’s less reliant on technology, which can be beneficial for younger kids or those easily distracted by devices.

Also, unlike many AAC systems that require a communication partner to initiate interaction, PECS trains the child to initiate communication—a critical skill in real-life situations. That initiative can change everything, from daily routines to social development.

How Can Parents Support PECS at Home?

Parents play a vital role in supporting PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) at home, reinforcing and expanding what’s learned in therapy. Here are some practical ways to support PECS and create consistency across environments:

These strategies help create a supportive environment at home that encourages continued progress with PECS and ensures your child’s communication skills thrive.

Picture Exchange Communication System ABA: Common Questions

Still curious about how PECS fits into your child’s therapy plan? Here are answers to a few of the most common concerns parents have.

Will PECS Stop My Child from Talking?

No. In fact, PECS often encourages speech. As children become more confident with communication, many begin to attempt words or sounds, especially in later PECS phases.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Each child progresses at their own pace. Some learn the basics in a few sessions, while others may need months to move through phases. Consistency is key.

What If My Child Doesn’t Like Using PECS?

It’s common for kids to resist new routines. Your ABA therapist will use motivation, preferred items, and engaging methods to help build interest and trust in the system.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication?

At Achieve Better, we understand how overwhelming it can be when your child struggles to communicate. That’s why we offer compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy in North Carolina, including expert implementation of the picture exchange communication system ABA.

Our therapists use PECS to empower children with the tools they need to express themselves clearly, confidently, and calmly. Whether your child is just starting out or needs help advancing through the PECS phases, our team is here to guide every step.

Let’s help your child find their voice. Contact Achieve Better today to learn more about personalized ABA therapy in North Carolina!