Direct answer
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a structured communication training protocol developed by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost at Pyramid Educational Consultants. Children learn to communicate by physically exchanging picture cards with a communication partner. The system progresses through 6 defined phases. PECS is widely used in Ontario schools and is OAP-eligible when delivered by an SLP as part of a funded Core Clinical Services plan.
PECS teaches communication through physical picture exchanges. The physical exchange is intentional — children learn that communication is a two-way social act with real outcomes.
Phase 1 — The physical exchange. Child picks up a single picture and gives it to a partner to receive a desired item. Physical prompt fades over trials.
Phase 2 — Distance and persistence. Child learns to seek out a partner across distance, travel to them, and complete the exchange.
Phase 3 — Picture discrimination. Child selects from multiple pictures to request the specific desired item.
Phase 4 — Sentence structure. Child builds a sentence strip: "I want ___". Introduces carrier phrases.
Phase 5 — Responsive requesting. Child responds to "What do you want?" with an appropriate picture sentence.
Phase 6 — Commenting. Child learns to comment ("I see ___", "I hear ___") — expanding to social communication.
Each phase must be mastered before moving to the next. Skipping phases undermines the system.
PECS is commonly implemented in Ontario schools by SLP and EA teams. It is considered standard practice for minimally verbal autistic students. To request: (1) ask the IEP team to include PECS as a communication support, (2) request a referral to the school board SLP for assessment and implementation planning, (3) ask that all staff working with your child receive PECS training, (4) request a home communication binder so PECS generalizes outside school.
For OAP-funded services: SLP-facilitated PECS is eligible within Core Clinical Services. With 71,263 children waiting, PECS through school is often the fastest route while families wait for funded OAP services.
Certified PECS Implementers (CPEIs) and Trainers in Ontario can be found at pyramidebp.com. Starter kits cost approximately $150–$250. Parent training workshops run $200–$400 through Pyramid Educational Products.
Pyramid Educational Consultants
Bondy & Frost — PECS developers; certified implementer directory at pyramidebp.com
OAP Guidelines
Ontario Autism Program — Core Clinical Services (SLP eligible)
OAP can fund AAC assessment and SLP services. The Ontario ADP covers up to 75% of dedicated speech devices. School boards provide devices through IEPs. Here is how each route works.
Overview of SLP approaches for autism: traditional articulation, AAC, social pragmatic, and PROMPT. Learn OAP coverage, costs, and how to choose.
PECS vs AAC devices for autism: how picture cards and speech-generating devices compare, when each helps, and what OAP funding covers.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
As of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents ~300% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate