Picture Exchange Communication System Course

Lesson 1 • Core Principles of PECS

Examines the behavioral and communicative principles that drive PECS effectiveness. Grounds practitioners in the theoretical framework before implementation begins.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to AAC Systems

Defines augmentative and alternative communication and its role in supporting individuals with limited speech. Provides context for understanding where PECS fits within the broader AAC landscape.

Lesson 3 • Candidates and Eligibility Criteria

Identifies characteristics that make individuals strong PECS candidates across age groups and diagnoses. Guides practitioners in making appropriate referral and selection decisions.

Lesson 4 • History and Development of PECS

Traces PECS origins from applied behavior analysis research to its current evidence-based form. Connects historical context to the system's core design principles.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Reinforcement in PECS

Explains how positive reinforcement drives spontaneous communication in PECS. Connects reinforcement theory directly to learner motivation and phase progression.

Lesson 2 • Selecting Highly Preferred Items

Guides selection of items with sufficient motivational value to sustain communication attempts. Connects item selection to learner engagement and phase readiness.

Lesson 3 • Conducting Preference Assessments

Teaches structured methods for identifying highly preferred items and activities. Accurate preference data ensures reinforcers remain potent throughout training.

Lesson 1 • Setting Up the Phase I Environment

Describes physical arrangement of materials, trainers, and reinforcers to maximize exchange opportunities. Proper setup reduces errors and accelerates skill acquisition.

Lesson 2 • Phase I Goals and Rationale

Defines the communicative objective of Phase I and explains why physical exchange precedes other skills. Sets measurable mastery criteria for advancing to Phase II.

Lesson 3 • Implementing the Exchange Procedure

Provides step-by-step guidance for executing the physical exchange with full physical prompting. Correct procedure ensures the learner experiences successful communication immediately.

Lesson 4 • Data Collection for Phase I

Introduces data recording methods to track exchange accuracy and prompt levels. Data-driven decisions determine readiness to advance to Phase II.

Lesson 1 • Increasing Learner-to-Trainer Distance

Teaches expansion of the distance between the learner and the communicative partner. Builds the learner's ability to seek out and approach a partner to communicate.

Lesson 2 • Generalizing Across Partners and Settings

Extends Phase II skills to novel partners and natural environments beyond training sessions. Generalization ensures communication is functional across the learner's daily life.

Lesson 3 • Increasing Learner-to-Book Distance

Guides systematic expansion of the distance between the learner and the communication book. Gradual distance increases build persistence without overwhelming the learner.

Lesson 1 • Error Correction in Phase III

Applies the four-step error correction procedure to discrimination errors. Consistent correction prevents error patterns and accelerates accurate picture selection.

Lesson 2 • Building Vocabulary in Phase III

Guides systematic addition of new picture symbols to the learner's communication book. Vocabulary growth is tied to preference data and functional communication needs.

Lesson 3 • Introducing the Communication Book

Covers construction, organization, and use of the PECS communication book with Velcro-mounted cards. A well-organized book supports efficient picture retrieval and exchange.

Lesson 4 • Phase III Goals and Structure

Defines the discrimination objective and explains the progression from two to multiple pictures. Mastery criteria ensure reliable selection before vocabulary expansion.

Lesson 1 • Reading the Sentence Aloud

Teaches trainers to read the completed sentence strip back to the learner after each exchange. Auditory modeling supports speech development and reinforces sentence structure.

Lesson 2 • Introducing the Sentence Strip

Covers physical introduction of the sentence strip and the 'I want' card to the learner. Correct introduction procedures prevent confusion and establish the sentence-building habit.

Lesson 3 • Data Collection and Mastery in Phase IV

Describes data systems for tracking independent sentence construction and attribute use. Data guide decisions about vocabulary expansion and readiness for Phase V.

Lesson 4 • Phase IV Goals and Rationale

Defines the sentence-building objective and explains the role of the sentence strip in PECS. Mastery criteria specify independent sentence construction before Phase V.

Lesson 1 • Integrating All Six Phases

Synthesizes skills across all phases into cohesive, naturalistic communication sessions. Practitioners design sessions that address requesting, responding, and commenting simultaneously.

Lesson 2 • Phase V: Responding to Direct Questions

Teaches learners to respond to 'What do you want?' with a complete sentence strip. Distinguishes responsive communication from the spontaneous requesting established in earlier phases.

Lesson 3 • Expanding Commenting Vocabulary

Guides addition of descriptive and social comment vocabulary to the communication book. Rich commenting vocabulary supports social interaction and language development.

Lesson 4 • Phase VI: Spontaneous Commenting

Introduces commenting functions using 'I see,' 'I hear,' and 'I feel' sentence starters. Expands communication beyond requesting to social and observational language.

Lesson 1 • Fidelity Assessment and Coaching

Teaches use of implementation fidelity tools to evaluate and improve PECS delivery. Fidelity monitoring ensures outcomes are attributable to correct procedure use.

Lesson 2 • Planning for Long-Term PECS Success

Guides development of individualized PECS plans that support ongoing communication growth. Long-term planning addresses vocabulary expansion, phase maintenance, and transition goals.

Lesson 3 • PECS in Natural Environments

Extends structured PECS procedures into home, school, and community settings. Natural environment implementation ensures functional communication across daily routines.

Lesson 4 • Adapting PECS for Complex Learners

Covers modifications for learners with motor, sensory, or cognitive challenges. Adaptations preserve PECS fidelity while accommodating individual learner profiles.