IPAD PECS System

During our last speech session our therapist seemed really positive about us trying out a pecs on the IPAD.  I had been a little reluctant because I was afraid he could become dependent on it for future communication.  But, in all honesty, our biggest struggle right now is the lack of both verbal and non-verbal communication so I am desperate to find some even ground

.The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an intervention program that helps people with developmental disabilities to communicate more effectively. The augmentative intervention is simple, and it uses inexpensive materials, in our case we will use the IPAD as a tool to deliver the picture system.  Jojo loves the ipad and is using his index finger, more and more. So I am hopeful that he will take to this pretty quickly.  Our homework this week is to take pictures of EVERYTHING around the house and out in the town too.  
The picture communication system, is alot like applied behavioral analysis (ABA), it breaks things down into small steps. Each phase of the system serves as a foundation for the next, and some kids may take longer in certain areas than in others, depending on their level of functioning. The systematic approach has six phases, and images are key in nearly every step.

Phase One

The first phase teaches children basic give-and-take exchanges inherit in language. It uses single pictures of desired activities and objects or foods. The child makes a connection between pointing at the picture and receiving the reward.

Phase Two

The second phase increases demands by putting more distance between the child and the picture. Instructors use the images in different areas, and different people may encourage the child to use use pictures to communicate wants and needs. This phase helps the child generalize the skill.

PECS for children with autism is an evidence-based approach that is effective in teaching children functional communication. Not only do kids learn the fundamentals of communication, they also learn that words relate to objects and activities. Over time, they may learn how to understand and express abstract concepts like feelings and wants.

This is a cute pic of Jojo during his DSI therapy working on sensory and pincer grasp using beans and pom poms.  The goal is to eventually have him scoop the beans into the bowl by himself.  Right now we do alot of hand over hand.