YOUR QUESTION. A CLEARER NEXT STEP.
What is PECS and how does it help my child communicate?
PECS, the Picture Exchange Communication System, is a form of AAC that teaches a child to communicate by handing over picture cards to request what they want. It builds intentional communication, reduces frustration, and for many children supports — not replaces — spoken language. The right AAC approach is chosen by a clinician for your individual child.
In this answer 5 sections
When words don't come easily, a picture your child hands you can be the very first "I want" — and PECS is built around that moment.
In short
PECS — the Picture Exchange Communication System — is a structured way of teaching a child to communicate by physically handing over a picture card to ask for something they want. It is a form of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), meaning it supports or stands in for spoken words. The beauty of PECS is that it starts with what every child understands — getting something they want — and turns it into a true, intentional act of communication. It does not stop speech from developing; for many children it actually opens the door to spoken words.
How PECS helps your child
PECS is taught in gentle, building stages:
- Stage 1 — the exchange: your child learns that handing over a single picture brings the thing they want (a favourite snack, a toy). This is the powerful first lesson — my action changes my world.
- Stage 2 — going the distance: they learn to find their picture and bring it to you, even across the room — building persistence and initiation.
- Later stages — building sentences: pictures combine into "I want… biscuit", then add describing words, comments and answers to questions.
Why it works so well: it gives your child a way to start a conversation rather than only respond, it reduces the frustration and meltdowns that come from not being understood, and the picture is a permanent, clear prompt that doesn't disappear the way a spoken word does. Over time many children begin pairing speech with the exchange.
When to consider it
PECS may be a good fit when a child has clear wants and intentions but limited or unreliable spoken words, or finds spoken communication overwhelming. A speech and language therapist will look at your child's whole communication profile first — PECS is one of several AAC paths, and the right choice depends on your individual child.
The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional., under qualified clinician care — never from an app or a checklist. Our therapists assess whether PECS, another AAC approach, or a blended plan fits your child best, and they coach you to use it confidently at home. Explore our speech therapy, see how we map your child's starting point with the AbilityScore®, or learn more on our home page.
Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on AAC and picture-based communication; AAP healthychildren.org resources on supporting early communication.
Next step — Curious whether PECS could help your child? Book an assessment and let a Pinnacle speech therapist find the right communication path together with you.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Notice whether your child has clear wants and intentions but limited or unreliable spoken words, becomes frustrated when not understood, or already points and reaches to ask — these signs suggest a picture-based approach could open up communication.
In everyday life
Keep one picture of your child's favourite snack or toy within easy reach. When they reach for it, gently guide their hand to give you the picture first, then immediately hand over the item — that simple exchange is the heart of PECS.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
Will PECS stop my child from learning to speak?
No. PECS is designed to support communication, not replace speech. For many children, giving them a reliable way to be understood actually reduces frustration and encourages spoken words to emerge alongside the picture exchanges.
How is PECS different from a speech app on a tablet?
PECS uses physical picture cards your child hands over, which makes the act of communicating very concrete and teaches initiation. Tablet-based AAC is another valid option. A speech therapist will help decide which suits your child best.
At what age can my child start PECS?
PECS can be introduced in early childhood once a child shows clear wants and the ability to reach for things they like. A speech therapist will assess your child's communication profile to confirm the right starting point.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceASHA — Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren — supporting early communication
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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General information supports a conversation with an appropriately qualified professional. Advice, goals and support depend on the individual child.