Effects of Picture Exchange Communication System on Verbal and non-Verbal Communication Skills and Problem Behaviors of Iranian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background:  Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an picture-aided augmentative and alternative communication tool to help with developing the communication skills of children with autism. It is advantageous due to having the least number of prerequisites and the fact that it teaches requesting to the children. Despite of the increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Iran, there has been no report investigating effect of PECS in Iranian children with Autism.

Objectives:  We have studied the applicability of PECS as well as the effect on communication skills and problem behaviors of Iranian children with ASD.

Methods:  The participants, 4 children of 3-7 year old, were taught phases 1-4 of PECS for 42 sessions and the changes in verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as problem behavior parameters were recorded before and throughout the study using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist and Communication Skills Development Questionnaire.

Results: At the end of the study three subjects entered phase 3 of PECS and one could gain proficiency in phase 3 and enter phase 4. Two children showed improvement in verbal communication, 3 had increased values in parameters of non-verbal communication and 3 had attenuated problem behaviors.

Conclusions: The acquisition of PECS skills and the effects of autism impairments in studied children were discussed in the context of Iranian culture and Farsi language.