The Picture Exchange Communication System (Pecs)
What techniques are used in PECS?
PECS teaches communication by having a child hand a picture card to another person to make a request, taught across six structured phases. Core techniques include using a motivating reward, two-person prompting with backward chaining, fading of prompts to build spontaneity, picture discrimination, and gradually building sentences and comments. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When words feel out of reach, a single picture handed to someone you love can open the very first door to communication.
In short
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) teaches a child to communicate by physically handing a picture card to another person to make a request or comment. It is taught in six structured phases, using clear, evidence-based techniques — a motivating reward, two-person prompting, the gradual building of sentences, and a careful fading of help so your child becomes a confident, spontaneous communicator. PECS is used to support children with limited or emerging speech, and often grows alongside spoken language rather than replacing it.The techniques used in PECS
PECS follows a deliberate, step-by-step method. Each technique builds on the one before:- Finding what motivates — therapists first discover what your child genuinely wants (a favourite snack, toy or activity). That natural motivation drives the very first exchange.
- The physical exchange (Phase 1) — your child learns the core act: picking up a picture and placing it in a communication partner's hand to get what they want. Communication is an active, two-way exchange from day one.
- Two-person prompting & backward chaining — a second helper gently guides the child's hand to give the card, while the main partner stays inviting. Help is faded from the end of the action backwards, so the child increasingly does it alone — with no spoken prompts, to avoid prompt-dependence.
- Building distance and persistence (Phase 2) — the child learns to travel to their picture book and to a partner, so communication works across the room and across people, not just face-to-face.
- Discriminating between pictures (Phase 3) — the child learns to choose the correct picture from several, so each symbol carries real meaning.
- Building sentences (Phase 4) — using a sentence strip, the child combines an "I want" symbol with a picture — the first step towards grammar and longer messages.
- Answering and commenting (Phases 5 & 6) — the child learns to respond to "What do you want?" and then to comment spontaneously ("I see…", "I hear…"), widening communication beyond requesting.
Throughout, therapists use structured reinforcement, consistent routines, and gradual fading of support — and many children begin to use speech sounds alongside the cards as confidence grows.
When to seek a check
PECS is one tool among many. A speech and language therapist will assess whether PECS, another communication system, or a blend best suits your child. Seek a developmental check if your child has few or no words by around 18–24 months, has lost words or skills they once had, rarely points or gestures to share interest, or finds it hard to make their needs known.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 your child receives a precise communication profile through our speech and language therapy, and a plan that may include PECS or other approaches matched to how your child learns best. You can explore how the AbilityScore® is calculated or [learn more about our approach](/).Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) guidance on supporting early communication; WHO information on developmental communication support.Next step — Wondering if PECS could help your child find their voice? Book a speech and communication 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 18–24 months, loss of previously used words or skills, rarely pointing or gesturing to share interest, and difficulty making needs known — and note whether your child responds to and enjoys handing over a picture to get something they want.
Try this at home
Find one thing your child loves and place its picture just out of reach — when they hand you the card, immediately give them the item with warm praise, so the exchange always feels rewarding and meaningful.
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
How many phases does PECS have?
PECS is taught in six structured phases — beginning with a simple picture exchange for a desired item, then building distance and persistence, picture discrimination, sentence building, answering questions, and finally spontaneous commenting.
Does PECS stop a child from learning to speak?
No. PECS is designed to support communication, and many children begin to use speech sounds and words alongside the picture cards as their confidence and communication grow. A speech therapist monitors and encourages spoken language throughout.
Who is PECS suitable for?
PECS can help children with limited, emerging or no spoken language who need an alternative way to communicate. A speech and language therapist assesses whether PECS, another system, or a blend best suits your child.