A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism (Topics in Autism)

A Picture's Worth examines verbal communication development and how autism impedes development of these skills and can cause frustration that can lead to problem behaviors. The authors demonstrate how providing many of the communication options described in this book—PECS and the other augmentative and alternative communication strategies (AAC)— can significantly reduce a child or student's frustration and enhance learning. This new edition cites encouraging research that proves PECS (and other AAC strategies) doesn't interfere with the development of speaking skills, and actually can provide a boost to the acquisition of these skills. There's also expanded information on: • Deciding whether a child needs AAC and could benefit from PECS • Who is an appropriate candidate for PECS • How to correct errors during the initial stages of PECS • How to choose which challenging behaviors to eliminate • What to do when a child does not look at pictures This practical guide makes it easy for parents and therapists to get started using this low-tech strategy to help people with autism of all ages to develop effective communication skills!

Andy Bondy, Ph.D., has over 30 years experience working with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. He is one of the inventors of the PECS system.