Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Effects of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on Maladaptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Review of the Literature

  • Dana Battaglia, Ph.D. (Author) Adelphi University image/svg+xml
    Dana Battaglia, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. Her research interests include vocabulary development and associative language in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as well as curriculum development for clinicians and teachers working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Mary E. McDonald, Ph.D. (Author) Hofstra University image/svg+xml
    Mary McDonald, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Department at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. She is currently the Program Director for the Advanced Certificate Programs. Some recent areas of publication include: self-management, social reciprocity, response to intervention, inclusion and persistence of fads in autism intervention.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.260
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the literature investigating the functional relationship between the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and maladaptive behavior (i.e., aggression, tantrums) in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Digital searches were conducted to identify single subject design studies published between 1994 and 2012. While nine studies were identified, only three explicitly addressed the collateral effects of PECS training on reduction of maladaptive behavior. Of the seven participants across these three studies, four demonstrated an inverse relationship between PECS exchange and reduction of maladaptive behavior. Results are promising in terms of functional communication. However, the authors suggest caution due to limited number of publications to date.
Keywords
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism, Behavior Change, Behavior Problems, Communication Skills, Literature Reviews
References

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There are 27 references in total.
How to Cite
Battaglia, D., & McDonald, M. E. (2015). Effects of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) on Maladaptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Review of the Literature. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 10(1), 8-20. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.260

Winter 2015

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted December 12, 2014
  • Published February 15, 2015
  • Issue Winter 2015
  • Section Articles
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