How PECS helps preschoolers communicate

When words won't come yet, a single picture handed to you can say "I want that" — and open the whole world of communication.

In short

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) helps preschoolers who are not yet speaking, or who have very few words, to communicate by physically handing a picture card to another person to ask for what they want. It works because it teaches the purpose of communication first — that reaching out to another person gets a result — rather than starting with sounds. For many young children PECS builds confidence, reduces frustration, and very often supports the emergence of spoken words alongside it.

How PECS helps a preschooler

PECS is taught in gentle, structured phases, each building on the last:

• It starts with a real exchange — your child gives a picture of a wanted item (a biscuit, a toy, a bubble) to a person, who immediately gives that item. This teaches the powerful idea: communication brings a response.
• It is initiated by the child — unlike pointing prompts, PECS is built so your child starts the interaction, which grows independence and intent.
• It reduces frustration and distress — when a child can finally ask instead of cry or pull, meltdowns around unmet needs often ease.
• It grows with your child — from single pictures to combining cards into short sentences ("I want" + "juice"), then commenting and answering questions.
• It supports, not replaces, speech — research shows PECS does not stop talking; for many children, words begin to appear because communication itself becomes rewarding.

PECS is often used as part of a wider speech and language therapy plan, tailored to how your individual child learns best.

When to seek a check

If your preschooler is not using words to communicate by around 2 years, is losing words they once had, rarely shares attention or gestures, or shows clear frustration at not being understood, it is worth a developmental and speech-language check. PECS is one of several communication supports a therapist may consider — the right starting point depends on your child's profile.

The Pinnacle way

AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or online form. From there, a speech-language therapist builds a communication plan shaped around your child, drawing on PECS and other tools through our speech therapy support. Explore how we help children find their voice.

Trusted sources

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on augmentative and alternative communication; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) on early language and communication development.

Next step — Want to know if PECS could help your child? Book a speech and communication assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.