Predicting progress in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) use by children with autism

Background: The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely used communication intervention for non-verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. Findings for the benefits of PECS have almost universally been positive, although there is very limited information about the characteristics of PECS users that determine the amount of progress that they are likely to make.Aims: To explore the utility of using children's developmental age to predict the subsequent degree of progress using PECS.Methods & Procedures: In a retrospective study, 23 non-verbal 5- and 6-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder attending a special school were assessed to determine their highest level of PECS ability. They were then allocated to one of two groups depending on whether or not they had mastered PECS phase III. All participants had been assessed using the Psycho-Educational Profile—Revised (PEP-R) on entry to the school and before being introduced to PECS. Total developmental age scores were examined to ...