PECS is a unique alternative/augmentative communication system. PECS was first implemented with pre-school students diagnosed with autism at the Delaware Autism Program. Since then, PECS has successfully been implemented worldwide with thousands of learners of all ages who have various cognitive, physical and communication challenges.

When an individual uses PECS to communicate, they use images, picture cards, or visual cues that have been designed for them through observation in order to communicate what they want or need. This system can be used to demonstrate a need for something tangible through a picture or a label and PECS can even be used to communicate some complex emotions or feelings as long as they can be represented and understood easily. Through PECS, children and adults develop communication skills, but they also learn about making choices.