the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
How PECS helps toddlers communicate
PECS helps toddlers communicate before words by exchanging a picture for something they want, teaching that communication brings results. This builds initiation, lowers frustration and meltdowns, and often supports the growth of spoken language. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When words haven't arrived yet, a single picture handed to you can become your toddler's first true 'I want that' — and that moment changes everything.
In short
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) helps toddlers by giving them a way to communicate now, even before spoken words appear — by exchanging a picture card for something they want. It teaches the powerful idea that communication brings a result, which lowers frustration, reduces meltdowns, and very often supports — not replaces — the growth of speech. PECS is a structured, evidence-based approach widely used within speech and language therapy for children who are minimally verbal or pre-verbal.How PECS helps your toddler
- It starts with motivation, not pressure. Your child hands over a picture of something they truly want — a favourite snack, a bubble jar, a toy — and immediately receives it. This first, joyful success teaches that I can make things happen by communicating.
- It builds initiation. Many toddlers learn to respond, but struggle to start communicating. PECS specifically teaches your child to approach you and begin the interaction themselves — a crucial life skill.
- It lowers frustration and meltdowns. When a child can finally tell you what they want, the behaviour that came from being unheard often eases.
- It supports spoken language. Research shows PECS does not stop speech — for many children it grows alongside or encourages first words, as pictures are paired with the spoken name.
- It moves in clear stages — from a single exchange, to choosing between pictures, to building short sentences like 'I want bubbles' on a sentence strip.
PECS works best when it is woven into everyday moments — snacks, play, bath time — and when everyone around your child uses it consistently.
When to seek a check
If your toddler is not using words by around 18 months, has very few ways to communicate wants, rarely points or gestures, or seems frustrated trying to be understood, a speech and language assessment is worthwhile. A therapist can confirm whether PECS, gestures, signs or another communication support best fits your child — these are starting points, not permanent paths.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an app or online form. From there, our therapists shape a communication plan around your child's motivation and stage, often introducing PECS within speech and language therapy. Explore how early communication support works at [Pinnacle Blooms Network](/).Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidance on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on early communication and language milestones.Next step — Want to give your toddler a way to be heard today? Book a speech and language assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch for few or no words by around 18 months, very limited ways to show wants, little pointing or gesturing, and frustration when trying to be understood — all worth a speech and language check.
Try this at home
Place a picture of a favourite snack just out of reach during snack time — when your child hands it to you, immediately give the snack and name it warmly, so they learn 'communicating gets results'.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Does PECS stop my child from learning to talk?
No. Research and clinical experience show PECS does not hold back speech — for many children it grows alongside spoken words, because each picture is paired with its spoken name. It gives your child a way to communicate now while words develop.
At what age can a toddler start PECS?
PECS can be introduced in toddlerhood once a child shows clear motivation for items they want — often from around 18 months to 2 years. A speech and language therapist will confirm whether it suits your child's current stage.
Is PECS only for autistic children?
No. While PECS is widely used with autistic children, it can help any toddler who is minimally verbal or pre-verbal and needs a clear, low-pressure way to communicate wants and needs.