Research in Support of PECS
- In the study The Picture-Exchange Communication System (PECS) increases functional communication of adults with intellectual disabilities by Matt Tincani and Elizabeth R. Lorah, it was found that when they gave three individuals intensive communication training through the PECS system, they all three substantially increased communication and their independence at initiating communication. They also found that the students' problem behavior decreased with the use of the PECS system. Finally, they found when they did a follow-up with the individuals that they continued to use PECS for communication with others, each of their vocabulary consisting of graphic symbols increased, and their level of challenging behaviors still remained low.
- According to the study The Effect of Picture Communication Symbols on the Verbal Comprehension of Commands by Young Children with Autism by Janet Preis, the PECS system for learning communication results in higher achievement in communication skills compared to other aided systems. In general it was found that communication with the PECS system has a positive impact on learning in other domains as well.
- As mentioned in The Effect of Teaching PECS to a Child With Autism on Verbal Behaviour, Play, and Social Functioning by Anneke Jurgens and colleagues, Bondy and Frost (1994) reported in a study they conducted found that 59% of children eventually developed independent speech after participating in the PECS training. Also mentioned was Charlop-Christy and colleagues (2002) study that focused on three children with Autism. They found that all three of the children were able to master the PECS system in an effective way. They also found increases in speech as well.
- Patricia A. Prelock points out in Meaningful Exchanges for People With Autism: An Introduction to Augmentative & Alternative Communication that children with Autism tend to have problems with word-finding and speech but strong visual processing like used in the PECS system.
- In Effectiveness of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on Communication and Speech for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis, the researchers found that PECS had more significant impacts on childrens' communication when the program began as an early intervention for the children.