How PECS helps toddlers communicate

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

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, 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 — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.