PECS — Picture Exchange Communication System

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a structured AAC system that teaches people without functional verbal communication to communicate by exchanging pictures/symbols with a communication partner. Developed by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost in 1985, it has six progressive phases, ranging from exchanging a single picture for a desired item to using full sentences and commenting on one's surroundings.

PECS was originally developed for autistic children but is used with anyone who needs AAC. It has strong evidence of effectiveness for building functional communication, and studies show it often encourages — rather than hinders — speech development.

PECS requires specific training for communication partners (parents, teachers, therapists) to work properly — especially the initiation phases (the child must initiate the exchange, not just respond to prompts).