# How can I work on PECS with my child at home? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-picture-exchange-communication-system-with-my-child-at-home Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Begin PECS at home by choosing one thing your child loves, making a clear picture of it, and teaching them to hand you that picture to get the item. Always honour the request instantly, pair it with the spoken word, build distance and vocabulary slowly, and work alongside your speech therapist. *Every picture your child hands you is a sentence they're learning to speak — and your living room is the perfect first classroom.* ## In short You can absolutely begin Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) at home: start by finding one thing your child truly loves, make a clear picture of it, and teach them that handing you the picture brings that thing to them. Keep it simple, joyful and consistent, and work alongside your speech therapist so the steps stay on track. The aim is genuine communication, not picture-naming drills. ## How to practise PECS at home **1. Find a strong motivator.** Pick something your child reaches for naturally — a favourite biscuit, bubbles, a spinning toy. Motivation does the teaching for you. **2. Make one clear picture.** A simple photo or printed symbol of that item, ideally with a bit of Velcro so it can be picked up and handed over. Start with just one. **3. Teach the exchange (Phase 1).** Hold the desired item near you. The moment your child reaches for it, gently help them pick up the picture and place it in your open hand — then immediately give the item and name it ("Bubbles!"). At first a second adult can guide their hand from behind; no talking from the helper. Fade that help quickly so your child does it themselves. **4. Build distance and persistence.** Once the exchange clicks, gradually move yourself and the picture board a little further away, so your child learns to seek you out and travel to communicate. **5. Grow the vocabulary.** Add more pictures one at a time, then teach your child to choose between two, and later to build a short strip like "I want" + picture. **Keep it real:** use PECS at snack time, bath time, play time — moments your child already wants something. Always honour the request straight away so the picture stays powerful. ## A few gentle reminders - PECS supports speech, it does not block it — research shows it can encourage spoken words, not delay them. Pair the picture with the spoken word every time. - Avoid quizzing ("What's this?"). PECS is about your child *initiating*, not answering. - Consistency across family members matters more than perfection. Keep the board where your child can always reach it. ## The Pinnacle way A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from a home programme or online guide alone. Our speech-language therapists tailor [PECS](/picture-exchange-communication-system) to your child's exact stage and motivators, then coach you to carry it into daily routines through [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) so home and centre pull in the same direction. ## Trusted sources Guided by ASHA resources on augmentative and alternative communication, and AAP/HealthyChildren guidance on supporting early communication in children with speech and language differences. **Next step —** book an assessment with a Pinnacle speech-language therapist to set up a PECS plan matched to your child, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181. This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - ASHA — Augmentative and Alternative Communication: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ - AAP HealthyChildren — Supporting Early Communication: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Language-Development-2-Year-Olds.aspx ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication - Find Activities: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/find_activities - Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment ## Related question paths ### Explore therapy & support - What happens during PECS sessions?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-happens-during-the-picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs-sessions ### At home & in everyday life - How to Use PECS with Your Child at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-using-picture-exchange-communication-system-with-my-child-at-home - How can I work on Picture Exchange Communication with my child at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-picture-exchange-communication-with-my-child-at-home - How to Work on PECS With Your Child at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs-with-my-child-at-home - How can I work on PECS Cards with my child at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-pecs-card-with-my-child-at-home - How to Work on PECS Card Communication at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-pecs-card-communication-with-my-child-at-home