Explain the methods used to promote receptive and expressive communication skills in individuals using PECS.
Promoting both receptive and expressive communication skills is a central goal of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Receptive communication refers to understanding and processing incoming information, while expressive communication involves expressing one's wants, needs, and ideas to others. PECS employs various evidence-based methods to foster the development of these communication skills in individuals, particularly those with communication difficulties such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Let's explore the methods used to promote receptive and expressive communication skills through PECS:
1. Pairing Communication with Preferred Items:
* When introducing PECS, communication partners pair picture symbols with highly preferred items or activities. This association reinforces the meaning of the symbols and encourages learners to comprehend that using specific symbols leads to obtaining desired items or engaging in preferred activities.
2. Modeling and Imitation:
* Communication partners model the use of PECS by demonstrating how to select a picture symbol and exchange it for a desired item or activity. Learners are encouraged to imitate this process to request items they desire, thereby promoting receptive understanding of the system and expressive communication through imitation.
3. Gradual Expansion of Vocabulary:
* Initially, PECS focuses on teaching core vocabulary words that represent essential items or needs. As learners become proficient, the vocabulary is gradually expanded to include a broader range of symbols, allowing for more expressive communication possibilities.
4. Differentiation of Symbols:
* Educators and caregivers differentiate symbols based on color, shape, or size to help learners discriminate between them accurately. This differentiation supports receptive understanding by making symbols more distinct and easily recognizable.
5. Multiple Exposures and Repetition:
* Repeated exposure to the PECS system and its symbols is essential for promoting receptive and expressive communication skills. Consistent use of PECS in various contexts increases learners' comprehension of symbol meaning and encourages them to use the symbols for communication purposes.
6. Visual Schedules and Choice Making:
* Visual schedules and choice boards are used to support receptive understanding by providing a visual representation of upcoming activities or choices. This helps learners anticipate events and make selections, promoting both receptive understanding and expressive communication.
7. Encouraging Spontaneous Expressions:
* Educators and caregivers create opportunities for learners to use PECS spontaneously, beyond requesting items. This encourages learners to use the symbols to express their feelings, preferences, and observations, supporting expressive communication development.
8. Responding to Mands:
* Mands are spontaneous requests initiated by learners using PECS. Communication partners promptly respond to these requests to reinforce the relationship between communication and obtaining desired outcomes. This encourages learners to use PECS for expressive communication effectively.
9. Prompting and Fading:
* Initially, learners may require prompting and support to use PECS effectively. Over time, these prompts are systematically faded to encourage independent use of the system, promoting both receptive and expressive communication independence.
Scientific Evidence:
Research studies published in journals such as the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis have highlighted the effectiveness of PECS in promoting both receptive and expressive communication skills in individuals with ASD and other communication difficulties.
Conclusion:
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) employs various methods to promote receptive and expressive communication skills in individuals with communication difficulties. By pairing communication with preferred items, modeling, and gradually expanding vocabulary, PECS facilitates receptive understanding of the system. Differentiating symbols, providing multiple exposures, and encouraging spontaneous expressions support expressive communication development. The use of visual schedules, choice making, and prompt fading further enhances the overall communication abilities of individuals using PECS. The evidence-based methods employed in PECS make it a valuable tool in fostering both receptive and expressive communication skills for learners with ASD and other developmental disabilities.