A comparison of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Speech-Generating Device (SGD) as communication aids for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two different Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and a Speech-Generating Device (SGD), as communication aids for children with autism. The participants were three children with severe autism who were minimally verbal or had no functional language. The results indicate that both AAC intervention strategies led to an increase in communicative behavior, with a slightly shorter acquisition time observed for the SGD training. Furthermore, two out of three participants showed a preference for the SGD. Moreover, we observed a reduction in problem behaviors and an improvement in vocal production in one of the participants. These findings suggest that both PECS and SGD are equally suitable for developing initial request skills and can also encourage speech production in students with specific prerequisites. Overall, the study highlights the potential benefits of both PECS and SGD in facilitating communication for children with autism.