Research: Generalization of a Pictorial Alternative Communication System across Instructors and Distance

Authored by Ganz, JB, Sigafoos J., Simpson RL, and Cook KE in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Volume 24, Issue 2, p. 89-99, (2008).

Article summary (posted Sep 25, 2008):

The picture exchange communication system (PECS) may be a useful tool for children with autism who are not able to speak.

The purpose of this study was to see if a 12-year-old boy with autism could learn to use PECS with many different people. PECS was a good tool to help the boy communicate and he was taught to use PECS with many different people. The boy did have to learn, however, who were the right people to approach with PECS. These results are different from early studies that found that children who learn PECS with one person have trouble using PECS with other people.

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You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), autism, communication, generalization, picture exchange communication system (PECS), speech therapy
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