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The Impact of PECS Training on Speech Development in Children with Autism: What Practitioners Need to Know

The Impact of PECS Training on Speech Development in Children with Autism: What Practitioners Need to Know

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely-used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approach for children with autism who exhibit limited or no functional speech. Recent research, "The Collateral Effects of PECS Training on Speech Development in Children with Autism," highlights the potential for PECS to facilitate speech development in this population. This blog aims to provide practitioners with actionable insights based on the study's findings to improve their therapeutic approaches.

Key Findings from the Study

The study involved three male children with autism aged 2-3 years. The children were assessed for speech skills and other pre-intervention characteristics such as adaptive functioning, symbolic representation, motor imitation, and receptive and expressive language skills. The results revealed that two of the three participants showed changes in speech production after using PECS.

Pre-Intervention Characteristics

Speech Development

Two participants showed increased use of sounds to request items during and after PECS training. However, only Participant 3 began using words to request, suggesting that stronger imitation skills might be a key factor in speech development post-PECS intervention.

Actionable Insights for Practitioners

Based on the study's findings, practitioners can take the following steps to optimize outcomes for children with autism:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research to better understand which children are most likely to benefit from PECS training and why. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider contributing to the body of knowledge through case studies and clinical trials.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Collateral Effects of PECS Training on Speech Development in Children with Autism.


Citation: Carson, L., Moosa, T., Theurer, J., & Cardy, J. O. (2012). The collateral effects of PECS training on speech development in children with autism. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 36(3), 176-263.
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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