Adapting the Picture Exchange Communication System for toddlers with hearing impairments in inclusive classrooms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsie.v2i1.1618Keywords:
The Picture Exchange Communication System, hearing impairment, toddlers, inclusive classroom, augmentative and alternative communication.Abstract
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is widely recognised as initially developed for children with autism and has since been identified as beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the adaptation of PECS for toddlers with hearing impairments in inclusive classroom settings. The structured six-phase protocol of PECS, emphasising visual and tactile supports, is examined for its potential to bridge communication barriers and foster independent interaction. Special attention is given to integrating situational visual cues, such as photographs and tangible symbols, to enhance engagement and contextual understanding during playtime, a critical developmental activity for young children. Parental involvement and environmental adjustments are pivotal factors in successfully implementing PECS for toddlers with hearing impairment. Training parents to use PECS in naturalistic contexts, such as play, improves communication consistency and motivation. The paper highlights the role of customised PECS strategies in supporting communication development and toddlers' social and emotional well-being. Despite promising outcomes, this study underscores the need for further research to validate the effectiveness of PECS adaptations for this specific population, particularly in fostering spontaneous communication and joint attention.
References
Adeduyigbe, A. M., Adeduyigbe, A. E., & Tijani, B. E. (2024). Addressing students with hearing impairment's current state and future needs: Reforming an inclusive science education. International Journal of Studies in Inclusive Education, 1(2), 12-15. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsie.v1i2.1448
Curtin, M., Cruice, M., & Herman, R. (2024). Assessing parent-child interaction with deaf and hard-of-hearing infants aged 0-3 years: An international multi-professional e-Delphi. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270000
Frost, L., & Bondy, A. (2002). The picture exchange communication system training manual (2nd ed.). Pyramid Educational Products: Newark. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1130282269708808448
Hartnett, M. (2010). How the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Assists Children with Autism Acquire Language (Unpublished PhD thesis), St. John Fisher College. https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=education_ETD_masters
Ivy, S. E., Kerr, M. G., & Grace, M. (2020). Adapted Picture Exchange Communication System using tangible symbols for young learners with significant multiple disabilities. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 36(1), 24–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2019.1675988
Kim, J., Lee, G., & Colleagues. (2023). Establishment of joint attention and parental cues in interaction between hearing parents and young children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Communication Sciences & Disorders, 28(1), 53-67. https://doi.org/10.15853/csd.2023.28.e1
Loots, G., & Devisé, I. (2003). The use of visual-tactile communication strategies by deaf and hearing fathers and mothers of deaf infants. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 8(1), 31–52. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/eng004
Loots, G., Devisé, I., & Jacquet, W. (2005). The impact of visual communication on the intersubjective development of early parent-child interaction with 18- to 24-month-old deaf toddlers. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 10(4), 357–375. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/eni027
Malandraki, G., & Okalidou, A. (2021). The application of PECS in a deaf child with autism: A case study. Journal of Communication Disorders, 53(4), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2021.104212
PECS United Kingdom. (2024). Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Retrieved from https://pecs-unitedkingdom.com/pecs
Roberts, M. (2019). Parent-implemented communication treatment for infants and toddlers with hearing loss: A randomized pilot trial. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 62(11), 4273–4290. https://doi.org/10.1044/2019_JSLHR-S-19-0421
Rutherford, M., O’Hare, A., & Colleagues. (2019). Visual supports at home and in the community for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A scoping review. Autism, 23(7), 1775–1788. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318784557
Yoder, P. J., & Lieberman, R. G. (2009). Brief report: Randomized test of the efficacy of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with young children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0595-6
Yoder, P. J., Lieberman, R. G., & Stone, W. L. (2020). Adapted Picture Exchange Communication System for children with multiple disabilities including sensory impairment: A single-case experimental design study. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(12), 4393-4409. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_JSLHR-S-19-0421
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Anuoluwapo Elizabeth Adeduyigbe
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All articles published by GAERPSY Publishing are under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license, allowing author (s) to share copies and redistribute the material in any medium or format. The GAERPSY Publishing cannot revoke these freedoms if they follow the license terms:
• Attribution: Author (s) must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. Author (s) may do so reasonably but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses his/her or thier use.
• NonCommercial: Author (s) may not use the material for commercial purposes.
• NoDerivatives: If author (s) remixes, transforms, or builds upon the material, he/she (they) may not distribute the modified material.
• No additional restrictions: Author (s) may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
