Comparing the Picture Exchange Communication System and Sign Language Training for Children With Autism

Abstract

This study compared the effects of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and sign language training on the acquisition of mands (requests for preferred items) of students With autism. The study also examined the differential effects of each modality on students' acquisition of vocal behavior. Participants Were tWo elementary school students With autism enrolled in a suburban public school. Training sessions involved presentations of preferred items, prompting and prompt fading procedures. Probes Were conducted to evaluate the generalization of learned mands to classroom teachers. For one participant, sign language training produced a higher percentage of independent mands. PECS training produced a higher percentage of independent mands for the other participant. For both participants, sign language training produced a higher percentage of vocalizations during training. Mands learned With the experimenter generalized to classroom teachers. The results of the study suggest that acquisition of picture exchange and sign language may vary as a function of individual student characteristics, specifically, motor imitation skills prior to intervention. HoWever, further research is needed to determine the optimal procedures for teaching both modalities to students With communication difficulties.