What is the first stage of PECS?

The first stage of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is indeed the physical exchange, which is foundational for the entire communication process that PECS facilitates. In this initial stage, individuals learn to communicate by physically exchanging a picture of a desired item or activity with a communication partner. This physical exchange effectively establishes a clear connection between the picture and the corresponding item, enabling the individual to communicate their wants or needs non-verbally.

Successfully completing the physical exchange sets the groundwork for further stages in PECS, where the individual will move on to more complex forms of communication, such as discriminating between different pictures, answering WH questions, and eventually commenting and asking questions. Each of these subsequent stages builds upon the skills acquired in the physical exchange stage, emphasizing the importance of beginning with a strong, practical understanding of communication through the exchange of physical objects or pictures.