PECS VS SIGN

[Guest guest]

I agree that this decision should be based on the strengths of each

child. My experience is certaily not as wide as many-but I freely

admit ( in times when it isn't that popular to do so ) that I love

both PECS and Sign and feel that it is so important for kids to have a

functional communication system. PECS and sign help to make language

more concrete-and for that reason I support them. Typically, I have

found that fine motor delays, motor planning problems, and poor

imitation skills prevent them from developing a functional system.

I've found it more helpful to pair verbal with signs- in helping them

to " get " the command/word. I also think it is important to remember

that PECS does not have to be MAYER-JOHNSON line drawings. If kids

aren't able to match or discrimintate with these-it is important to go

to their level. You can make object symbols with resin castings, put

items in clear plastic containters (ie: peanut butter jars), etc. We

must be very creative-because all things ARE possible-even for lower

functioning NON-verbal kids! I have seen PECS really help students with

no verbal skills-in most cases they become more verbal with the visual

support that PECS provides. I also agree with the post about using

keyboarding to communicate-I think it is quite effective-but often

requires higher level skills-and isn't always the best to start off w/

because the process of communication should be motivating-not aversive.

Once they learn more basic communication skills-I think keyboarding

would be a fabulous outlet-and an easy way to communicate in the

community. There are speaking programs (write out loud, co-writer,

speak easy are a few I think-although I have never used them) which may

help to give the speaker a " voice " even easier than a voice output

device--probably a little less expensive-and perhaps more functional.

Just my two cents--

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