Overview of the PECS IV+ Alternative Communications System Digital App

Abstract

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) was created and used to work with children and adults who have ASD and other social and communicative needs, or those who have lost speech due to various injuries or medical conditions. The stages of PECS training are briefly described. The description of the digital communicative voice-speaking device PECS IV+, intended for users with severe speech disorders, is presented. The conditions for the transition from the traditional version of PECS to digital are discussed (for example, undeveloped speech, the student’s vocabulary is more than 50 words in the form of images). The principles for choosing the digital device and the algorithm for the protocol for teaching a PECS user to switch to an electronic voice-speaking device are listed. The article uses materials from several scientific studies that describe the design of the application and its practical use. Through sequential learning using the PECS protocol, the stu­dent’s vocabulary can be significantly increased, and there is a need to move from the traditional paper version to electronic devices, which are more convenient to store an ever-increasing number of words. The PECS IV+ electronic communicative voice-speaking device allows the user to improve such communication parameters as speed, length of statements, complexity of phrase structures, the ability to sound out words using an electronic voice carrier. Recommendations are given for adults to use the PECS IV+ device, the most important of which is to create communication opportunities as often as possible.