What is PECS?
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a structured AAC approach developed by Lori Frost and Andy Bondy in 1994. It teaches non-verbal and minimally verbal individuals to initiate communication by exchanging a picture for a desired item or activity.
Unlike pointing at a picture board, PECS requires the child to pick up a picture and physically give it to a communication partner — making communication an active, intentional act. This physical exchange helps children understand the purpose of communication: you give something, you get something.
PECS has strong research backing. Multiple studies show it increases both functional communication and spoken language. Many children who used PECS eventually develop speech.
The 6 Phases of PECS
Phase 1 — How to Communicate: The child learns to pick up a picture of a desired item and place it in a trainer's hand. Two trainers are used — one prompts the exchange physically, the other receives it. Goal: the child initiates exchange without a verbal prompt.
Phase 2 — Distance and Persistence: The child learns to go to the communication book, retrieve a picture, find the trainer, and complete the exchange. This teaches persistence and generalisation across environments.
Phase 3 — Picture Discrimination: The child learns to choose between two or more pictures. This is critical for building a functional vocabulary beyond a single item.
Phase 4 — Sentence Structure: The child builds a simple sentence strip: "I want ___" using an "I want" card plus the item picture. This models sentence structure.
Phase 5 — Responding to Questions: The child responds to "What do you want?" with the sentence strip. This is the first instance of responding rather than spontaneously initiating.
Phase 6 — Commenting: The child learns to comment on their environment using phrases like "I see," "I hear," and "It is." Communication expands beyond requesting.
PECS vs App-Based AAC
Both PECS and AAC apps (like Autism Saathi's AAC board) have their place:
| | PECS | App-Based AAC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (training + materials) | Free to low |
| Requires physical exchange | Yes | No |
| Portable | Yes (binder) | Yes (phone/tablet) |
| Customisable | Yes (make your own) | Yes |
| Good for early communicators | Excellent | Good |
PECS has a formal training protocol; an app can be used immediately without training. Many families use PECS first and transition to an AAC app as the child grows.
Cost of PECS Training in India
PECS Level 1 training (the 2-day workshop) costs approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000 per participant in India. PECS Level 2 (advanced) costs similar. The official PECS starter kit costs approximately ₹10,000–₹15,000 when imported.
Some organisations like Action for Autism and NIMHANS offer PECS training at subsidised rates.
How to Make PECS Pictures at Home
You do not need to buy the official kit to start. Here is how to make your own:
1. Use Google Images or apps like Symbolstix to find clear, simple pictures of items your child loves
2. Print at approximately 5cm × 5cm on card stock or laminate regular prints
3. Add Velcro dots to attach pictures to a binder or folder
4. Start with your child's top 3–5 motivating items (favourite snack, toy, video)
5. Follow the Phase 1 procedure: two trainers, one motivating item, physical exchange
A Free AAC Alternative
If PECS training is not accessible right now, a picture communication board can serve a similar purpose. Autism Saathi's free AAC board has 60+ symbols in Hindi and English and works on any smartphone.
Open AAC Board → — Free picture communication board in Hindi and English, available immediately on any phone.