A PECS user consistently swaps pictures of unrelated items. Which prompting technique would be MOST effective to address this error?

The most effective prompting technique to address a PECS user consistently swapping pictures of unrelated items is error correction with a paired prompt. PECS, or Picture Exchange Communication System, is a communication system that teaches individuals with autism or other communication challenges to communicate by exchanging pictures representing desired items or actions. When a user swaps pictures, it indicates a misunderstanding of the picture's meaning or a difficulty with accurate selection.

Paired prompting involves initially providing a verbal or gestural prompt alongside the correct picture. This prompt guides the user toward the intended selection. For example, if the user reaches for a picture of a car instead of a juice box, the therapist would simultaneously present the juice box picture and say, “Juice box.” The therapist does *not* take the car picture away; instead, they hold both pictures, emphasizing the correct one with the paired prompt. If the user then exchanges the juice box picture, the request is honored, and praise is given. If the user still attempts to exchange the car picture, the paired prompt is repeated, and the therapist may gently guide the user’s hand to select the juice box.

Crucially, the paired prompt is *faded* over time. This means the verbal or gestural cue is gradually reduced. Initially, the prompt might be a clear verbal statement like “Juice box.” Then, it might become a quieter “Juice.” Eventually, the prompt is eliminated entirely, relying on the user’s understanding of the picture’s meaning. The fading process ensures the user learns to independently select the correct picture.

Why is paired prompting superior to other techniques in this scenario? Simple error correction (taking the incorrect picture away) can be frustrating and doesn't teach the correct choice. Modeling (showing the user the correct exchange) can be helpful, but doesn't provide immediate guidance when the error occurs. Full physical prompting (physically guiding the user’s hand) is overly intrusive and hinders independence. Paired prompting directly addresses the error while simultaneously teaching the correct response and promoting independence through systematic fading. The pairing of the prompt with the correct picture creates a strong association, helping the user learn the accurate meaning of each picture and reducing the likelihood of future errors.