How to Make a DIY Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System — commonly known as PECS — was originally developed for children with autism or other conditions that make verbal communication difficult. The concept is simple: the person who wants to communicate hands another person a picture card representing what they wish to express. The beauty of PECS is its flexibility. It can be started with a single card and expanded gradually as the person is ready. It adapts to any environment, any vocabulary, and any level of complexity.
While purchased PECS card sets are available, making your own personalized set has significant advantages. A child or adult who does not easily recognize abstract drawings or generic images may respond much better to photos of their own cup, their own shirt, their own family members. A personalized set can also be tailored to specific routines, environments, and communication goals in ways that a pre-made set simply cannot.
What You Will Need
- A digital camera or smartphone
- A printer
- Cardstock (or regular paper plus cardstock for mounting)
- Self-stick laminating sheets
- Scissors
- A hole punch and carabiner clips (for organizing and carrying cards)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Photograph the objects. Take a clear, well-lit photo of each item or concept you want to include. The most important thing is visual clarity — place the object against a plain white or black background to isolate it and make it the clear central focus. Avoid cluttered backgrounds.
Step 2: Arrange and print. Arrange the photos in a grid pattern, approximately 3 to 4 inches square each. Crop as needed to keep each image clean. Print on cardstock if possible. If you are using regular paper, print first and then mount to cardstock for durability.
Step 3: Laminate. Use self-laminating sheets on both the front and back of each printed sheet. Smooth out air bubbles using the back of a spoon or a small rolling pin, pressing firmly at the seams. Proper lamination significantly extends the life of the cards.
Step 4: Cut and organize. Cut the individual cards apart. Punch a hole in one corner of each card and clip groups of cards together with a carabiner. This makes it easy to take only the relevant cards for each situation — playground cards for the park, mealtime cards for the kitchen, and so on.
| Pro Tip: Start simple. A handful of high-priority cards — favorite foods, comfort items, common needs like bathroom or drink — is far more effective than an overwhelming set. Add vocabulary gradually as the person demonstrates readiness. The system grows with them. |
Expanding the System Over Time
Once the basics are established, PECS can be expanded in many directions — adding family members, pets, emotions, activities,
and more. The system can also be used in combination with electronic communication devices for individuals who are ready for more complexity.
Adaptive Specialties offers a 6-Level Communicator with Jacks that allows the person to press a button and have the device speak the
word pictured — a natural next step for those who have mastered basic PECS.