Abstract
Study objective : To examine the effect of training with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on the acquisition of functional communication skills. Design : Changing conditioning design, including 6 phases and follow up. Setting : Picture Exchange Communication System training was implemented by the participant's mother in his home. Participant : A child with autism who did not speak, and his mother. Intervention : Using backward chaining and other methods, the child's mother taught him to give her icons in order to make requests and answer questions. Measures : The percentage of correct responses in the Picture Exchange Communication System training, the frequency of spontaneous requesting using the Picture Exchange Communication System, and the form and the initial time of speech after the intervention had begun. Results : The boy learned the Picture Exchange Communication System in a comparatively short period, and spontaneous requesting using the System increased. After the intervention, some speech appeared, but its frequency was low. Conclusion : Although the Picture Exchange Communication System training could be effectively implemented by the mother in home, the procedures for commenting need to be examine further.
