🧠 AI Summary:
This parent-friendly guide explains how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) supports communication for autistic children. It breaks down how PECS works, why it helps, and what parents can expect during each phase. You’ll also learn how PECS is used inside ABA therapy sessions at On Target ABA to build meaningful communication—whether a child is asking for a snack, expressing a need, or beginning more complex conversations.
PECS for Autism: A Parent’s Guide to the Picture Exchange Communication System
For so many families, communication is one of the biggest challenges after an autism diagnosis. When a child struggles to use words, everyday moments—asking for a snack, letting someone know they’re hurt, or choosing a favorite toy—can feel stressful for both the child and the parent.
That’s exactly why the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can be such a powerful tool.
At On Target ABA, we use PECS to help children learn how to communicate confidently, clearly, and in a way that feels natural to them.
What Is PECS? (Picture Exchange Communication System)
PECS is a type of alternative communication that teaches children to express their wants and needs using pictures instead of spoken words. Think of it as giving a child a voice in a different form—one that may feel easier, faster, and less overwhelming than speech.
Instead of struggling to say “cracker,” a child can hand you a picture of a cracker. That simple exchange becomes communication… and communication becomes connection.
What makes PECS unique is that it’s not just pointing to a picture. It’s an exchange, where the child gives the picture to another person. That back-and-forth is what builds true social communication.
Why PECS Helps Children With Autism Communicate
Every child is different, but many autistic children benefit from PECS because:
- Pictures are easier to process than spoken words.
- There is less pressure than trying to speak.
- It reduces frustration and improves independence.
- It builds the foundations for meaningful communication.
- Many children who start with PECS go on to develop spoken language, gestures, or AAC.
One of the biggest myths is that PECS stops children from talking. The opposite is usually true—PECS encourages communication, and communication often opens the door to speech.
The Six PECS Phases (Explained Simply)
When parents see PECS binders filled with pictures, it can feel overwhelming. But PECS is taught in small, manageable steps. Here’s what each phase looks like inside an ABA therapy session at On Target ABA:
Phase 1 — Making a Request
Your child learns the most important part:
“If I give someone this picture, I get what I want.”
This might be a picture of bubbles, a cracker, a toy car—whatever motivates your child.
Phase 2 — Going to the Communication Partner
Your child practices traveling to a person, handing the picture, and making sure their request is noticed.
It builds independence and confidence.
Phase 3 — Choosing Between Pictures
Now we add more options so your child learns to select what they truly want instead of always picking the same picture.
Phase 4 — Building Simple Sentences
Your child might use a sentence strip like:
“I want ➜ cracker.”
This is where PECS begins to look like early language.
Phase 5 — Answering Questions
Your child begins responding to
“What do you want?”
This builds receptive and expressive communication skills.
Phase 6 — Commenting and Talking About the World
This is the most exciting stage because communication becomes richer.
Children learn to say things like:
- “I see a dog.”
- “It’s big!”
- “I hear music.”
Communication becomes more natural, social, and spontaneous.
How PECS Works Inside ABA Therapy at On Target ABA
At On Target ABA, PECS is never used as a “one-size-fits-all” program. Every child has unique strengths and communication preferences, so we personalize every step.
Here’s what that looks like:
- We start with high-motivation items to make communication exciting.
- Therapists model and guide the process until the child builds confidence.
- We use repetition, fun activities, and natural play to make PECS feel easy.
- Once the child succeeds in therapy, we generalize PECS into home, school, community settings, or anywhere communication is needed.
- Families get direct coaching so parents feel confident supporting PECS outside the center.
The goal isn’t just communication during therapy—it’s communication everywhere.
Does PECS Lead to Talking?
For many children, yes.
PECS doesn’t replace speech; it supports it.
As children learn that communication gets their needs met, they often explore new ways to express themselves—spoken words, gestures, signs, AAC, or a combination of all three.
The real goal is not speech alone.
The goal is connection.
How Parents Can Support PECS at Home
Parents play a huge role in helping PECS work. Small, everyday opportunities make a big difference.
Here are ways to help at home—without turning everything into a lesson:
- Keep a few PECS pictures accessible during meals, play, or routines.
- Pause before giving your child something—you might be surprised what they hand you.
- Celebrate every communication moment, big or small.
- Let your child pick pictures for their favorite foods, shows, toys, or places.
- Partner with your child’s BCBA or RBT to stay consistent with the phase they’re working on.
The more natural communication feels, the faster children build skills.
PECS Gives Children a Voice — and Every Voice Matters
Communication isn’t just about words.
It’s about connection, confidence, and the ability to express wants, needs, and feelings in a way that feels right for each child.
Whether a child speaks verbally, uses pictures, or communicates in a mix of different ways, what matters most is this:
They are being heard.
At On Target ABA, PECS is one of the many tools we use to help children communicate with the world around them—and to help families understand their child in deeper, more meaningful ways.
If you’d like PECS support or an individualized communication plan for your child, we’re here to help every step of the way. 💛