A survey of parents’ perceptions of Picture Exchange Communication System for children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disability that limits an individual’s ability to develop skills in social communication and social interaction [1]. A deficit in social communication is one of the main characteristics shared by individuals with ASD, and many individuals with ASD never develop spoken language [2]. However, many strategies are employed to improve the communication abilities of children with ASD. Developed by Bondy and Frost [3], one such strategy is picture exchange communication system (PECS). PECS is a means of aided augmentative alternative communication (AAC) that consists of six phases. In the first phase, children with ASD learn to exchange a picture for an item or activity they desire instead of pointing to a symbol to obtain that item or action. Over the course of the six phases, the child is taught to initiate communication by Purpose: A survey was conducted to examine the perceptions of parents who use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help improve the communication abilities of their children with autism spectrum disorder and/or other developmental disabilities.