Imagine you want to tell your friend you’re thirsty, but you can’t talk. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a tool with pictures or buttons that you can press to show them what you want to say. It can be on a tablet, a talking device, or picture cards. It helps people who need help speaking get their ideas across.
This article compares two popular AAC options: the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and core boards so that you can choose the best one for your child.
What is the Difference Between PECS and Core Boards?
PECS and core boards are low-tech AAC tools but differ in their approach. PECS uses a structured exchange system to teach requesting, while core boards focus on natural communication through modeling.
Core boards display a variety of communication symbols on a single screen or page, while PECS primarily uses individual picture cards for communication exchanges.
Both core boards and PECS help nonverbal individuals and those with speech delays communicate their wants, needs, and feelings. Each has its strengths and limitations, so the best choice depends on your child’s unique needs. Here are the key differences to help you decide which might be the right fit for your child.
What is PECS AAC?
PECS, or Picture Exchange Communication System, is a low-tech AAC approach that uses pictures to support communication. Developed in 1984 by Dr. Andrew Bondy and Lori Frost, PECS allows users to exchange picture cards with a communication partner to make requests or express needs. This system helps individuals initiate communication and gradually build towards more complex language skills.
PECS operates in six phases, starting with simple exchanges and progressing to constructing sentences and answering questions. The phases include:
- Phase 1: Exchange – Users learn to exchange a picture card for a desired item.
- Phase 2: Distance and Persistence – Users travel to the communication book and partner to exchange pictures.
- Phase 3: Picture Discrimination – Users choose between different pictures to request specific items.
- Phase 4: Sentence Structure – Users build simple sentences using picture cards and a sentence strip.
- Phase 5: Responding to “What do you want?” – Users learn to answer questions about their wants.
- Phase 6: Commenting – Users learn to comment on their environment using various sentence starters.
PECS can be an essential stepping stone for children with communication difficulties, particularly those with autism. It empowers them to express their needs, fosters independence and can lead to spoken language development.
Want to learn more about how PECS can enhance your child’s communication? Dive deeper into our detailed guide here: Discover How PECS Can Transform Your Child’s Communication.
What are Core Boards?
Core boards are grids of pictures and words organized by part of speech to help users communicate. They feature essential words, known as “core vocabulary,” on a single screen or sheet of paper, allowing users to express their wants, needs, and feelings by pressing the symbols.
Unlike PECS, which primarily focuses on object requests, core boards aim to develop language functions and expand language beyond nouns.
Core boards often include:
- Pronouns (e.g., I, you)
- Nouns (e.g., apple, ball)
- Verbs (e.g., go, want)
- Adjectives (e.g., tired, happy)
- Prepositions and social words (e.g., on, out)
- Questions (e.g., what, where)
- Negation and important words (e.g., ready, not)
- Conjunctions (e.g., and, but)
- Determiners (e.g., this, that)
These core words are the most frequently used and can be combined to create many messages. Core boards can also include fringe vocabulary (additional symbols that can be attached) to expand communication as your child progresses.
With core boards, users can express their thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires, fostering greater independence and autonomy.
Want to learn more about core boards and how you can customize one to your child’s needs? Our comprehensive article can help you do so: Unlock the Power of Core Boards for Your Child’s Communication
Pros and Cons of PECS
| Pros | Cons |
| Motivational and Independence-Building | Limited Communication focus initially |
| Caters to Visual Learners | Steeper Learning Curve |
| Structured Learning Approach | Requires Fine Motor Skills |
| May promote Speech Development | Passive Communication at First |
Understanding the strengths and limitations of PECS can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your child. Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Motivation and Independence: PECS provides a straightforward way for children to meet their needs, fostering a sense of control and motivation to communicate.
- Visual Strengths: Reliance on pictures caters to individuals with strong visual processing skills, which is common in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Structured Learning: The phase-based approach offers a clear path for progression, making it easier for some learners to grasp the communication system.
- Stepping Stone to Speech: Research suggests PECS use can sometimes lead to some individuals developing spoken language skills.
Cons
- Limited Communication: Initially, PECS focuses on requesting objects, limiting broader expression.
- Learning Curve: The structured exchange system can be challenging for some children to learn.
- Motor Skills: Picking up and manipulating picture cards might be difficult for children with fine motor skill limitations.
- Passive Communication: The initial phase doesn’t emphasize responding to others, potentially hindering interactive communication.
PECS can be a valuable tool for children with communication difficulties, particularly those with ASD. However, it’s important to consider its limitations and use it alongside other communication strategies for more well-rounded development.
Pros and Cons of Core Boards
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile communication tool | Can be complex for beginners |
| Promotes natural learning | Limited portability (larger boards) |
| Accessible and customizable | Requires consistent modeling |
| Enables early sentence-building | May not be ideal for all learners |
Curious if core boards are the right fit for your child? Here are a few pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros
- Versatility: Core boards offer a wide range of vocabulary for various communication needs, from requesting to commenting and asking questions.
- Naturalistic Learning: Therapists and parents can promote organic communication development by modeling and using the core board in daily routines.
- Accessibility: Core boards can be easily customized to fit individual needs and can be low-tech and inexpensive to create.
- Sentence Building: Core boards allow for immediate expression of simple sentences, promoting early language development.
Cons
- Complexity: With more symbols, finding the right word can be initially challenging for some children.
- Limited Portability: Larger core boards can be cumbersome to carry around.
- Requires Consistent Modeling: The effectiveness of core boards relies heavily on consistent modeling and guidance from caregivers.
- May Not Suit All Needs: PECS might be a better initial choice for individuals requiring a highly structured learning approach.
The best type of AAC system depends on the individual’s needs and abilities. Some factors to consider include:
- Age and physical abilities
- Communication skills
- Learning style
- Budget and technological access
It’s also common to use a combination of low-tech and high-tech AAC, depending on the situation. For example, a child might use a manual communication board at home and a high-tech Speech-Generating Device (SGD) at school.
The decision to use PECS or core boards depends on the individual needs and abilities and the classroom or home environment.
PECS is often preferred for young children just beginning to develop their communication skills. In contrast, elementary schools can introduce core boards to promote more expressive and functional communication.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to AAC. The best system empowers your child to communicate effectively in their world. Talk to your child’s speech-language pathologist or pediatrician to find the perfect fit.
Ready to enhance your child’s communication? Start by downloading our free printable 77-symbol core board today! It’s designed to help your child express their thoughts, needs, and feelings with ease. Get your free copy now and start empowering your child’s voice!
