Individuals who have a diagnosis within the autism spectrum of disorders typically have great difficulty with communication. They have trouble processing language and they have trouble using language to express wants and needs. On the other hand, autistic individuals are very visual. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an intricate teaching tool that uses pictures to help individual with autism or other communicative disorders communicate. The pictures used in PECS are commonly printed and laminated on two-inch by two-inch cards. This teaching tool is very helpful as a means of communication. The process of using PECS is a little complex. There are six deliberate steps that this treatment for autism uses in order to help the child understand the concept behind the pictures. The six phases of PECS are systematic. As with many of the treatments for autism, this approach uses small steps to reach a specific goal and each phase must be presented in order to maximize the benefits of the program. As the child masters one phase he is introduced to the next successive step. Using pictures to facilitate communication has yielded great success in the treatment for autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. The ability to communicate effectively is one of the major obstacles that individuals with autism face.
What are common signs of autism?
Are there early signs of autism?
What are the five pervasive developmental disorders?
What is positive reinforcement?
What is negative reinforcement?
What is picture exchange communication system?
How is funding from foundations distributed?
What is the Autism Research Institute?
What is the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation?
What grants and programs are offered by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation?
What is the Autism Society of America Foundation?
What scholarships are available through ASA?
What is the Special Needs Trust for Autism
What is the Autism Scholarship Program?
How can sign language help in the community setting?
How are visual schedules used in community settings?
Can PECS be used effectively in the community setting?
How are social stories used to prepare for a community setting?
How do families prepare for outings in the community setting.
What different educational settings are available for autisitc children?
What is the therapist's role in the classroom setting.
How does a therapist encourage the child to pay attention in class?
How can teachers help students make smooth transitions between activities?
How are social goals addressed in the school setting?
What are visual teaching strategies?
Are there basic tips for teachers who have autisitic students in their classrooms?
Are there books about autism in the classroom?
What problems are in the home environment?
What is Wraparound in the home?
How is communication addressed in the home environment?
What are some strategies to encourage compliant behavior at home?
How can families deal with negative behavior in the home?
What is non-negotiable behavior?
Why are self help skills a challenge in the home environment
Why do some researchers think that autism may be genetic?
What chromosomes are thought to be linked to autistic disorder?
How is technology used in the treatment of autism?
What are the benefits of using technology in the treament of autism?
Are there drawbacks to using technology in the treatment of autism?
What is the focus of treatments for autism?
What is the floortime treatment approach?
Should the same interventions be used in all cases of autism?
When did autism emerge on the scene of psychology?
What are self stimulatory behaviors?
How are sensory integration activities used?
What is the difference between a behavioral and analytical approach?
When is echolalia used as communication?
Is negative behavior ever a promising occurance?
How can choices help to increase compliant behavior?
How can negative behavior be addressed?
Are there new findings in autism research?
How can I manage a sibling relationship when one has autism?