Parents and therapists searching for PECS apps for autism will find a growing number of tools designed to support communication development. This guide explores leading options, evidence supporting digital PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and practical tips for selecting and using apps effectively. It aims to help families, educators, and professionals in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia navigate the landscape of augmentative communication solutions.

Effective communication is a crucial step in autism support. Digital adaptations of PECS combine evidence-based protocols with tablet and smartphone convenience. By understanding features, research outcomes, and best practices, stakeholders can make informed choices that promote functional communication and social engagement.

Understanding PECS Applications

What Are PECS Apps

PECS apps are digital tools that replicate the Picture Exchange Communication System, an evidence-based approach for teaching functional communication. They use picture symbols, sentence strips, and voice output to help nonverbal or minimally verbal individuals express needs, comments, and questions. These apps adapt classic PECS phases into interactive, customizable interfaces.

Who Benefits From PECS

PECS apps serve multiple audiences, including:

• Children with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions
  
  

• Speech-language pathologists and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapists
  
  

• Parents and family members supporting home practice
  
  

• Educators and school personnel are integrating communication supports

By offering visual prompts and structured learning, apps help learners build independence and reduce frustration during daily routines and social activities.

PECS Phases Summary

The standard PECS protocol unfolds in six phases, each targeting a key communication skill:

• Phase I (Physical Exchange): Learner hands a picture to request a desired item
  
  

• Phase II (Expanding Spontaneity): Learner moves to a communication board to initiate requests
  
  

• Phase III (Picture Discrimination): Learner selects from multiple pictures to convey intent
  
  

• Phase IV (Sentence Structure): Learner constructs simple sentences using a strip like “I want [item]”
  
  

• Phase V (Responding to Questions): Learner answers “What do you want?” using pictures
  
  

• Phase VI (Commenting): Learner uses pictures to comment on the environment and events

Digital apps mirror these phases, often adding prompts, reinforcement, and data tracking to support skill mastery.

Exploring Top PECS Apps

PECSTalk App Overview

PECSTalk is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app developed by the creators of the PECS protocol. It provides a robust feature set for learners at various PECS phases.

Key Features

• Access to the full Pics for PECS® image library
  
  

• Scrollable pages and custom user-defined images
  
  

• Bilingual book building and multi-language support (15 languages)
  
  

• In-app voice output for requests, responses, and comments
  
  

• Data backup and sharing across devices
  
  

• Support for books with over 2,500 images

Pricing And Trials

PECSTalk offers a 7-day free trial via PECSTalk™ Lite, then requires a subscription purchase. It is available for Android tablets and Apple iPads.

PECSTalk Lite Overview

PECSTalk Lite provides a limited preview of the full PECSTalk app.

Key Features

• Trial access to a subset of the Pics for PECS® library
  
  

• Basic navigation and sentence strip functionality

Limitations

• Limited image selection and page count
  
  

• Trial expires after seven days, with no further updates

iHear PECS Animals App

iHear PECS®: Animals is designed for learners in Phase VI, where commenting skills are the focus.

Primary Functions

• Contains images and sounds for 12 familiar animals
  
  

• PECS Activity Board to prompt responsive and spontaneous commenting
  
  

• Variety of image options to reinforce requesting and commenting skills

Wait4it App Overview

Wait4it encourages the concept of waiting, an important early communication skill, especially in Phases I and II.

How It Works

• Visual timer and progress indicator for reinforcement
  
  

• Prompts the learner to wait before receiving a desired item
  
  

• Helps build patience and turn-taking skills

Working4 App Overview

Working4 uses a visual reinforcement system to clarify what the learner is working toward.

System Benefits

• Displays a task list with clear progress markers
  
  

• Allows rewards to be assigned and earned upon task completion
  
  

• Useful for chores, lessons, and behavior motivation

App Comparison Table

Choosing The Right PECS App

Consider Learning Goals

Families should match app functionality to individual needs. Those focusing on early requesting may start with Wait4it or PECSTalk Lite. Learners ready for sentence building and commenting will benefit from PECSTalk or iHear PECS Animals.

Evaluate Feature Set

Key considerations include:

• Image library size and customization options
  
  

• Voice output quality and languages supported
  
  

• Data tracking and progress reports
  
  

• Ease of adding or modifying symbols

Check Device Compatibility

Apps vary by operating system and device requirements. Confirm that school-issued tablets or home devices meet minimum specifications before purchase.

Maximizing App Usage

Involving Professionals

Collaboration with speech-language pathologists or ABA therapists ensures correct implementation. Professionals can:

• Guide prompt fading to reduce dependency
  
  

• Adapt reinforcement schedules
  
  

• Integrate app use into individualized education plans (IEPs)

Setting Clear Targets

Defining measurable goals, increasing spontaneous requests from zero to three per day, for example, helps track progress. Targets should align with PECS phases and learner strengths.

Monitoring Progress

Regular review of app data or manual logs supports adjustment of strategies. Teams can analyze:

• Number of exchanges per session
  
  

• Error rates during picture discrimination
  
  

• Emergence of spontaneous speech

Reviewing Research Effectiveness

Evidence For PECS

Multiple studies confirm the impact of PECS on communication outcomes. A seminal investigation found that all three participants met PECS learning criteria and showed increases in verbal speech and social-communicative behaviors. Recent meta-analyses indicate that preschool-aged children achieve the most positive gains in functional communication and speech development.

Integrating Peer Interventions

Research highlights the value of combining PECS with peer-mediated instruction. When typically developing peers are trained to use PECS and facilitative social skills, learners with autism show improved engagement, commenting, and sharing functions.

Accessing Training Resources

Professional Support

Speech-language pathologists and ABA therapists can provide:

• Direct coaching on prompts and reinforcement
  
  

• Guidance on selecting appropriate images
  
  

• Strategies to generalize skills across environments

Online Guides And Materials

Several organizations offer PECS training and support materials:

• Pyramid Educational Consultants provides official PECS manuals and workshops
  
  

• National Autism Resources offers instructional packets to assist team members in implementing picture communication effectively

Families and professionals can explore free trial versions before committing to full subscriptions, attend workshops, and join online communities for peer support.

Conclusion

Incorporating a suitable PECS app into therapy or home routines can unlock new channels of communication for learners with autism. By aligning app features with individual goals, involving professionals, and tracking progress against established research, teams can achieve meaningful gains. The right combination of digital tools and evidence-based practice sets the stage for lasting communication success.

At Blossom ABA Therapy, we understand that communication is the foundation for every child’s growth. Our compassionate team uses PECS apps and other evidence-based ABA strategies to help children with autism express their needs, emotions, and thoughts more clearly both at home and in school. Through personalized plans and hands-on parent training, we make communication progress achievable and lasting.

Open the door to meaningful communication today.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how PECS-based ABA programs in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia can help your child thrive across all environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PECS app used for in autism therapy?

A PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) app helps individuals with autism communicate by exchanging or selecting digital pictures to express wants, needs, or feelings.

Are PECS apps effective for nonverbal children with autism?

Yes. Studies show that PECS apps can significantly improve functional communication and may even encourage verbal speech over time when used consistently with ABA support.

Which PECS apps are best for autism communication?

Popular and research-backed PECS apps include Proloquo2Go, Avaz AAC, and TouchChat HD, each offering customizable visuals and easy integration into ABA therapy sessions.

SOURCES:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/pecs

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11573337/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1284381/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6195038/

https://www.atandme.com/apps-for-children-with-autism-part-2/