Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Request Objects Utilizing the Picture Exchange Communication System
Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, picture exchange communication system, quasi-experimentAbstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder or ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction. Their ability to communicate and use language also depends on their intellectual and social development. While some children with ASD may not be able to communicate using speech or language and others may have very limited speaking skills, there are some who may have rich vocabularies and be able to talk about specific subjects in detail. This quasi-experimental study attempted to find out if children with ASD who are unable to talk would have improved expressive communication skills, specifically in requesting objects, while being taught the picture exchange communication system or PECS. The study also discussed the challenges encountered while learning to use PECS. The findings showed that there was an improvement in the skills of the participants; however, this was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, based on the positive experience of teaching PECS within a limited time, the study recommended steps to implement the use of PECS for students with ASD.
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