Which of the following BEST describes the role of the communication partner in Phase 1 of PECS?

In Phase 1 of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), the communication partner’s role is to act as a responsive and consistent receiver of the child’s communication attempts, facilitating the initial exchange of a picture for a desired item. PECS is a structured intervention that teaches individuals with autism or other communication challenges to initiate communication using pictures. Phase 1, titled “Initiating Communication,” focuses on the child learning to request items by presenting a picture. The communication partner, often a parent, teacher, or therapist, is crucial in this process. Initially, the communication partner does not offer the item; instead, they wait for the child to independently approach and present the picture. If the child offers a picture, the communication partner immediately and enthusiastically responds by giving the requested item. This immediate reinforcement – providing the item directly after the picture exchange – is vital for establishing the connection between the picture and receiving what is desired. The communication partner should avoid verbal prompts or physical guidance during this phase. For example, if a child presents a picture of a cookie, the communication partner should immediately hand the child a cookie, saying something like, “You asked for a cookie! Here’s your cookie!” If the child does not offer a picture, the communication partner does not prompt them; they simply wait for the child to initiate. Consistency is key; the communication partner must respond the same way every time a picture is presented to ensure the child understands the function of the picture exchange. The goal of Phase 1 is to establish a clear and reliable communication function for the picture – it’s a tool to request something – and the communication partner’s role is to consistently reinforce this function through immediate and enthusiastic responses.