Children with autism or other developmental disabilities typically suffer from impairments in their ability to communicate. They often have limited or delayed language and speech skills. Professionals, such as speech and developmental therapists, along with dedicated parents, can teach language skills to these children by using specially designed communication aids. Dr. Laura Schriebman emphasizes the success rate of communication systems made up of pictorial representations. Strategic efforts to develop language skills in children with communication disorders are beneficial for these children in school and life in general.
Picture Exchange Communication System
Step 1
Make your own picture exchange communication system. Cut out pictures from catalogs, magazines or other sources. Trim the pictures to about 2 inches square and paste them to cardboard. Alternatively, purchase specially designed software and print pictures on card stock. Laminate the pictures for more durability.
Step 2
Match pictures with objects, such as a book or an apple, or with actions, such as drinking from a cup or coloring. Show the child the pictures, paired with the corresponding objects or actions. Model the related word or phrase for the child. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Encourage the child to repeat the word or phrase.
Step 3
Demonstrate for the child how to choose a picture and the related object or action he desires. Place the picture in the child's hand and practice saying the corresponding word together. Ask the child to place the picture in your hand and say the related word. Reward the child's efforts to communicate by exchanging the picture for the object or action. Practice this procedure multiple times, gradually increasing the number of objects and actions you introduce to the child.
Step 4
Create a communication book with a loose-leaf binder and plastic page inserts. Add the hook side of self-adhesive hook and loop fasteners in rows on the plastic inserts and the loop side in squares on the back of the pictures. Attach the pictures to the rows inside the book. Organize the pictures by categories for ease of use.
Step 5
Add a long strip using the hook side of the fastener tape and attach it to the bottom or inside cover of the book. Show the child how to create simple phrases or sentences with individual pictures, such as, "I want the crayons." Increase the number of interactions, alternating between simple words and whole phrases or sentences, as the child demonstrates growing interest and ability in his language skills.
Step 6
Create supplementary picture games with the same basic techniques used in making the communication book to strengthen language skills. For instance, compile a series of larger pictures depicting rooms in a house and add pictures of the items typically found in each room. Spread the smaller pictures out and assist the child with identifying what items go in each room, such as dishes in the kitchen and towels in the bathroom. Discuss the process as you perform the activity. As another example, construct books to accompany popular children's songs, and show the child how to add pictures as you sing the song together.
Tips and Warnings
- Tape pictures to objects in different rooms to help your child make visual connections between the pictures and the objects they represent. Consider purchasing a pre-made communication system or voice output communication aid, or VOCA, depending on your child's needs. If you are a parent with a child who has autism or another developmental disability causing communication disorders, consult with your health care professional for advice. Seek a referral to a speech pathologist or other specialist who can best address your child's needs. If you are a speech therapist, consider attending workshops to learn how to effectively use various communication aids and assistive technology, including the official picture exchange communication system, or PECS, originally developed in 1985 by Andrew S. Bondy and Lori Frost.
- Remember each child learns at his own pace. Be patient, yet persistent, in working with a child who has autism or other developmental disability.
Things You'll Need
- Pictures from catalogs, magazines or other sources or picture software
- Cardboard or card stock
- Laminating supplies
- Loose leaf binder
- Plastic page inserts
- Self-adhesive hook and loop fasteners
