Comparative Efficacy of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) versus a Speech-Generating Device: Effects on Social-communicative Skills and Speech Development

Abstract

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and a speech-generating device (SGD) were compared in a study with a multiple baseline, alternating treatment design. The effectiveness of these methods in increasing social-communicative behavior and natural speech production were assessed with three elementary school-aged children with severe autism who demonstrated extremely limited functional communication skills. Results for social-communicative behavior were mixed for all participants in both treatment conditions. Relatively little difference was observed between PECS and SGD conditions. Although findings were inconclusive, data patterns suggest that Phase II of the PECS training protocol is conducive to encouraging social-communicative behavior. Data for speech outcomes did not reveal any increases across participants, and no differences between treatment conditions were observed.

Keywords::

• Autism
• PECS
• Speech-generating devices
• AAC
• Social skills
• Speech

Notes

Acknowledgments

We express our thanks to Katie Johnstone, Kim LeClair, Beverly Forrey, Minghua Tan, Colleen Coleman, Casey Hobbs, Jenny Dong, and Ingo Bosse for their assistance in data collection; Barbara Ray and Sherilyn Smalts for their editorial feedback; and the participants and their families for their involvement in this study. This study was conducted as part of the first author's doctoral dissertation work.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interests. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Notes

1. Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc., Newark, DE, is a registered trademark.

2. The Logan ProxTalker is a registered trademark of ProxTalker.com, LLC, Waterbury, CT.

3. Picture Communication Symbols are a registered trademark of DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, Pittsburgh, PA.