What communication system involves using pictures or symbols to represent needs?

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that is specifically designed to help individuals, particularly those with autism and communication difficulties, express their needs and desires. In PECS, individuals are taught to use pictures or symbols in structured exchanges with a communication partner. The system begins with the user learning to exchange a picture of a desired item for that item, thus facilitating the communication of their wants and needs.

This approach capitalizes on visual modalities, which can be more effective for individuals who may struggle with verbal communication. The process gradually builds from simple exchanges to more complex communication interactions, leading to an overall enhancement of expressive language and social interaction skills.

In contrast, while sign language relies on gestures and movements to convey meaning, and verbal behavior interventions focus on teaching language through operant conditioning techniques, neither employs pictures or symbols in the same structured and visual exchange framework as PECS does. The visual learning system may incorporate pictures or symbols, but it does not exclusively focus on communication exchanges in the systematic way that PECS does. Thus, PECS is uniquely positioned as a communication system for representing needs through pictures and symbols.