Visual Communication Program - Introduction

This program has been incredibly powerful for me, and I’m excited to share it with you. However, before we begin, I want to make an important distinction: this is not the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). If you’re interested in learning more about PECS and how it works, I recommend checking out the official resources from the creators of the system. They offer comprehensive training to help you use PECS correctly, and it’s a valuable program.

My program draws from the foundation of PECS, but it incorporates additional insights I’ve gathered through years of hands-on work with children, especially those within the autism spectrum. It started with training I received directly from the creators of PECS, but over time, I added my own strategies to make it more applicable and effective for a wider range of learners. This program is built around simple, step-by-step instructions that aim to make the process easy for both the child and the adult guiding them.

I believe in the power of visual communication—as someone whose own memory is predominantly visual, I know firsthand how vital it is for children to have a visual system to support their learning. Many children, especially those on the autism spectrum, need this form of support to make sense of their world and communicate effectively.

The Power of Visuals for Communication

One of the most significant challenges I encounter with students is that many children, while capable of understanding everything around them, simply cannot express themselves verbally. I often hear parents say, "They understand everything, but they’re not talking." This is where the picture communication system comes into play. If we can provide these children with visual representations of what they need to say, they can start connecting the dots.

When they see a picture of something they want, like a cookie or a toy, and can manipulate these images to form sentences, their picture memory becomes activated. Even if they’ve heard the word before or said it once, they may not have committed it to memory in a way that allows them to access it when they need it. This system helps them retain that information and retrieve it when necessary, just like how I rely on visual cues to navigate my own daily life.

How the Program Works:

This program is designed to build executive function skills—the ability to organize thoughts and manage actions—while also addressing language development. It is structured in small, manageable steps, which is crucial for children who may become overwhelmed or frustrated by large tasks. These steps allow them to gradually progress without feeling lost or discouraged.

For children who struggle with apraxia or other communication challenges that make it hard to connect thoughts to speech, this program offers a solid alternative for expression. Through the use of a communication book, children can exchange pictures and phrases, providing them with a tool to communicate their needs and desires, whether they are verbal or nonverbal.

The beauty of this program is that it offers flexibility. Some children will eventually outgrow the book as they develop their verbal skills, while others may continue using it as a tool for difficult days. The program helps bridge the gap, giving children the opportunity to communicate even if they’re unable to do so verbally.

Real-Life Impact:

I’ve seen firsthand how this system transforms children’s lives. One of my proudest moments came when I had the opportunity to teach my stepson with autism to use a communication book. At first, he could only speak with a monotone voice, and he would use his book to request things like French fries. Over time, he began to internalize the phrases, eventually starting to speak on his own: "I want French fries, please."

But like many children, there were days when his words would disappear, and frustration would set in. On those days, the communication book became a lifeline. Just by opening the book and looking at the pictures, he could reconnect with the words he was struggling to express. It was as if a weight lifted off his shoulders—he could ask for what he needed without losing control, which dramatically reduced his tantrums.

This tool isn’t just for children who are nonverbal—it’s for children who struggle to remember words or are unable to express themselves in the moment. Even children who eventually learn to talk can still benefit from having this visual support to fall back on when their words escape them.

Creating and Using the Communication Book:

Creating the communication book is a simple but essential part of this program. The process of making the book together with the child is incredibly important—it gives them a sense of ownership and encourages them to use it more effectively. Once the book is made, we gradually introduce the child to its use, starting with basic phrases and images, and building up over time. You don’t need to rush through the steps—wait for the child to master each one before moving on to the next.

This Program is for Every Age and Ability Level:

I have successfully used this program with children as young as two years old, and it’s been just as effective with middle and high school students who struggle with verbal communication. Whether the child is just starting to learn language or is in a more advanced stage, this program provides structured support that adapts to their individual needs.

The simplicity of the system is what makes it so powerful. It doesn’t require complex technology or resources—just pictures, Velcro, and some creativity. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This program is one of the most effective tools I’ve ever used for helping children develop language, communication, and independence.