Merging practices in Alternative Communication: An autism case study

Communication impairments, typically observed in individuals with autism, may be minimized by the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Aided Modeling Intervention (AMI) are AAC protocols typically used with this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adapting PECS for a preschooler with autism, having his teacher as an intervention agent. Data were collected during individualized teaching sessions, conducted at a private clinic. The teacher was taught to implement the PECS protocol, associated with AMI Strategies to increase the frequency of interactions with the student during educational activities. A quasi-experimental design revealed increase in the student´s communication turns using the pictograms and changes in the teacher´s communication style.