When to start PECS???

[mumgoingcrazy]

DD2 is almost 2 and has just been set up with PECS by the SALT (early days), she has said about 25 words but not consistently so we're just trying to build on it.

As sn teacher that I know has said it's absolutely ridiculous to be starting PECS at this age. She uses it all the time with her pupils who are much older.

I'm just wondering if we're doing the right things starting PECS now??

Any advise gratefully received.

I'd try it. Although I wouldn't worry too much about moving beyond phase 1 or 2 with a young child. And you might get further with using something less abstract than symbols (e.g. an empty cereal box for cereal, an apple fridge magnet for an apple).

I don't see any harm in trying and if she does get it she'll be well away. We introduced when my son was about a year older than your dd and he got it very quickly (he is severely autistic), I think he would have picked it up earlier and been a lot less frustrated had he been given the opportunity.

Thank you, I'll stick to what the SALT says then. I guess it won't do any harm and it may do some good. She is already doing the exchange and also choosing from 3 things so think she'll get it eventually I hope.

"She is already doing the exchange and also choosing from 3 things so think she'll get it eventually I hope."

I would say she's got it! Absolutely carry on then. Just take it nice and slowly. It will decrease her frustration enormously.

Thank you both of you. I think you might be right as today we had a little breakthrough. Whenever she sees someone holding a mobile phone she tantrums until it's given to her. The SALT gave me a symbol for it and said next time she does this she has to give you the symbol before she gets it rather than just give in (which if I'm out and about I do ). Today she did this and kicked off when I was texting, so I told her to give me the symbol, eventually she did. Later she started to kick off so I pointed at the symbol and she just gave it to me and the meltdown never started. I'm guessing you are both right in that this could be a good time to start.

Sounds good Mum. The SN teacher is talking rot.
NO REASON NOT TO START now, Point of PECS is to teach a child that they can get what they want without kicking and screaming.

Thanks Moondog, we've had another good day with it today. Has learnt some foods and then chose the one she wanted from 3. I'm so pleased as she ususally just shouts until I get it right. I'm loving it already!

Mum, are you being helped with someone who has PECS training (ie has attended 2 day basic course)? The reason I ask is that there are separate stages to go through and working on exchnaging a card comes (and needs to be solid) before work starts on picture discrimination.

A lot of people (including SALTs) are using PECS wrongly and messing things up which makes me very cross.

We started PECs when DS ws about 2.5 and he got it quite easily. We then built in Makaton about a year later and, at 13 years old, he continues to use both. I was told categorically by the Senior EP for our borough that you never do both, ha ha.

Yes ds1 uses Makaton and PECS. It was one of the first things that struck me when meeting Davros' son- how he could use all sorts to communicate. DS1 has picked up Makaton now as well and it's great - he uses both. And actually anything else he can use to make his point. His boardmaker activity pad, miming, pointing, pictures on the wall, pictures in books, representative objects, me writing words on bits of paper which he then points to.. etc etc.

I used to run a pre-school (starting at 2.5yrs) for children on the autistic spectrum (diagnosed or suspected) and with cumminication issues. PECS was a vital tool adn the earlier you start the better imho! We found children could use both PECS and Makaton and would often use little bits fo speech as well.

Oh dear, I have no idea if the SALT has done the course. Is there a good website where it explains all the stages?? She is doing the exchange, but I've jumped in and am now showing her pictures of different foods. Am I getting ahead of myself. I really really don't want to screw this up!

Pitures Worth is on order!! Thank you very much.

Just wanted to say "A pictures worth" turned up today and it's brilliant. Explains it all really clearly. Still a way to go but feeling much much more confident about it all. Thank you!!

That's great Mum.
Read it carefully.