PECSperts! Exploring Child and Caregiver Outcomes Following Participation in a Brief Communication Camp

Abstract

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often have communication impairments. As a result, augmentative and alternative communication systems such as the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®; Frost & Bondy, 2006) are often recommended. Although substantial evidence supports child PECS use, and emerging evidence supports caregiver PECS training, no research specifically explores brief caregiver and child PECS training models. As such, little is known about how to effectively train caregivers and children in an efficient manner. Further, few studies investigate whether caregivers and children generalize and maintain their PECS skills. This study explored child PECS accuracy and caregiver PECS treatment integrity following participation in a brief, 1-week caregiver and child PECS training camp that included caregiver training, child teaching, and caregiver-child coaching. Eight children diagnosed with ASD and their caregivers participated. A pre-post group design was implemented to assess caregiver and child performance in camp-clinic and home settings over time. Results suggest that average caregiver PECS treatment integrity and child PECS accuracy increased from pre- to post-intervention and caregiver treatment integrity remained stable during maintenance assessments. In contrast, child PECS accuracy was variable during maintenance assessments. Results were similar in both the camp-clinic and home settings for caregivers and children. These results indicate that a brief PECS training camp may improve caregiver and child PECS skills in both camp-clinic and home settings.