Giving Every Child a Voice Through Visual Communication
Communication is a bridge to connection, learning, and independence. For children with autism who are nonverbal or have limited speech, that bridge can feel out of reach. But with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), thousands of families have found a powerful way to give their children a voice.
At the Social Behavior Education Center (SBEC) in Orange County, California, our clinicians specialize in using PECS to support nonverbal children through structured, compassionate, and evidence-based ABA programs. PECS helps children communicate their needs, express emotions, and build meaningful relationships—step by step, one picture at a time.
What Is PECS?
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a visual communication approach developed to teach functional communication skills to individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Instead of relying on verbal speech, children learn to use pictures or symbols to express their wants, needs, and feelings.
The process begins simply: a child hands a picture of a desired item—like an apple—to request it. Over time, they progress to forming picture-based sentences, answering questions, and even initiating conversations.
According to research from the Autism Research Institute, PECS has proven highly effective in improving social communication and reducing frustration-related behaviors in children with autism.
Why PECS Works for Nonverbal Children
Using PECS to support nonverbal children works because it aligns with the visual learning strengths common in autism. Visuals are clear, consistent, and permanent—unlike spoken words that vanish in seconds.
At SBEC, our team personalizes each PECS program to match a child’s developmental stage, communication level, and daily environment. The benefits include:
- Reduced frustration: Children gain an effective way to express themselves.
- Improved social interaction: Visual exchanges encourage engagement with others.
- Foundation for speech: Many children later develop verbal communication skills after mastering PECS.
- Generalization across settings: Skills learned in therapy transfer naturally to home, school, and community environments.
Families throughout Orange County, California rely on SBEC’s trained specialists to introduce and expand PECS in ways that fit seamlessly into daily life.
How SBEC Implements PECS in ABA Therapy
Our approach to using PECS to support nonverbal children is rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—a science-backed method for teaching functional skills through reinforcement, structure, and consistency.
Step 1: Assessment
We begin by assessing your child’s strengths, preferences, and communication challenges. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create a customized plan that integrates PECS into natural routines.
Step 2: Phase-Based PECS Training
PECS has six structured phases:
- Simple exchanges (learning to give a picture for a preferred item)
- Expanding persistence (initiating communication independently)
- Discrimination training (choosing between multiple pictures)
- Sentence structure (“I want + item”)
- Answering questions
- Commenting and sharing experiences
Each phase builds progressively toward more complex communication.
Step 3: Family Involvement
Our therapists coach parents and caregivers to use PECS at home. This consistency accelerates learning and reinforces communication across all settings.
Step 4: Collaboration and Data Tracking
We collaborate with teachers, speech-language pathologists, and schools to ensure continuity of care. Every milestone is tracked with data to measure progress accurately.
Accessible Support and Insurance Coverage
SBEC proudly provides PECS and ABA therapy services to families across Orange County, California, both in person and via telehealth. Our services are covered by leading insurance providers:
Anthem Blue Cross | Aetna | Magellan Health | Evernorth Behavioral Health/Cigna | Blue Shield of California
👉 Get a free consultation – Our team provides free initial consultations and culturally sensitive support, including services in Farsi for families who prefer care in their native language.
PECS and Emotional Growth
PECS isn’t just about requesting objects—it’s about connection. As children learn to use pictures for communication, they also learn to share feelings, make choices, and build confidence. Over time, this reduces frustration-based behaviors and promotes independence.
Why Families Choose SBEC
- Expertise: Led by BCBAs and trained therapists experienced in autism communication programs.
- Cultural inclusion: Services available in English and Farsi for inclusive family participation.
- Evidence-based practice: Programs built on proven ABA and PECS methodologies.
- Convenience: In-home, school-based, and telehealth options throughout Orange County, California.
- Family empowerment: We train parents and caregivers every step of the way.
At SBEC, we believe communication is the key to independence—and every child deserves to be heard.
Start Building Communication Today
Every child has something to say. With the right guidance and tools, you can help your child express themselves, connect emotionally, and grow with confidence.
📞 Call us today at (949) 259-8786
📧 Email: Drtorabicounselling@gmail.com
👉 Get a free consultation – Our team provides free initial consultations and culturally sensitive support, including services in Farsi for families who prefer care in their native language. Iranians abroad can getfree initial consultation from our bilingual specialists to begin building communication skills from anywhere in the world.