PECS picture communication for autism in Ontario

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 67,509 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.