PECS
PECS stands for Picture Exchange Communication System.
I thought this was a great explanation on what PECS exactly is and how it started.
It's a great way for people with autism or any other diagnosis, to learn how to communicate their wants and needs. If they are able to communicate through sign and other ways, if you know they know what they want but getting it out is hard - this is a great option!
In Jackson's preschool this last year they had a placemat with pictures of four snack options. He learned to point to the snack he wanted. I wanted to incorporate this at home to help him have a better way to communicate his wants and have options.
He has LOVED it!! It's so fun to see him so proud and happy after he chooses what he wants.
WHAT YOU NEED...
- 1" inch binder
- Plastic dividers
- Circle velcro
- Computer & printer
- Laminator
- Scissors
I just googled whatever picture I wanted and found the one that Jackson would be familiar with or know what that picture was. I put them in a word document, google docs, and made them around 2x2. I printed them out, cut out the pictures, put them in a laminator sheet, laminated them, cut them out again and then added the velcro.
I've already learned that you need to cut them out twice. If you just laminate the entire sheet of pictures and then cut them out, the picture will separate from the lamination.
I wanted to use a small binder so that it's easy to use, carry around, etc.
I'm starting with 8 options on a page because he's done 4 at preschool.
There are so many ways you can do this. You can have a separate page where you pick a few options and then let them choose from there. You can have them pull it off and put their choice in a specific spot, pull it off and hand it to you, point to what they want, etc.
I have Jackson point to what he wants or I tell him to hand me what he wants.
He has done both.
We are starting with food, shows, and a random page that has a few activities and grandparents. Eventually I want to do a page for toys and a page for activities.
I made an extra page to put pictures we aren't using, food we run out of, etc.
I bought this laminator (and sheets) from Amazon and it's been perfect!
Let me know if you have any questions!
I also made a PECS highlight on my Instagram.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
- Jenna