PECS/Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Effective In Home PECS/Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Children
Effective In Home PECS Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Meeting communication goals through technology
Understanding PECS and Augmentative Communication
In Home PECS Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training helps children develop a reliable way to express themselves — even when spoken words are difficult or not yet present. Communication is the foundation of learning, relationships, and independence. For children with limited verbal abilities, frustration can build quickly when they cannot make their needs known. This can lead to behavioral challenges, emotional distress, or reduced opportunities for social connection.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems — including PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), sign language, and speech-generating devices — provide children with tools to communicate effectively. PECS, for example, teaches a child to use pictures to exchange for items, make requests, answer questions, and express preferences. Other AAC methods may use tablets or voice-output systems that help children generate language independently. These supports are not replacements for speech — they are bridges to communication that often encourage verbal development.
In Home PECS / Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles. Therapists assess each child’s current communication level and design an individualized plan to teach functional communication step by step. Through structured teaching, modeling, and reinforcement, children learn to use pictures, symbols, or devices to communicate effectively. Sessions also target generalization — ensuring that children use their new communication skills with different people, across activities, and in multiple settings.
By providing this training at home, therapy occurs in the child’s natural environment, surrounded by family members and the items that motivate real communication. Parents play a vital role in supporting and expanding their child’s use of PECS or AAC throughout daily routines, helping ensure long-term success and growth.
How Do We Help with PECS Augmentative and Alternative Communication? Read More Below.
IN HOME PECS/AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION FOR YOUR CHILD
See how far technology has come for speech
Why Bridges to Shine’s In-Home ABA Approach Works Best
At Bridges to Shine, our In Home PECS / Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training combines the science of behavior analysis with a deep respect for each child’s voice — spoken or otherwise. We believe every child deserves a way to communicate confidently, and home-based therapy offers the perfect environment to make that happen. By teaching in familiar settings, therapists can incorporate meaningful routines — like mealtime, playtime, or transitions — to make communication natural, relevant, and effective.
Our licensed behavior analysts and speech-language pathologists collaborate closely to design individualized programs using evidence-based methods. We focus on teaching functional communication first — practical, purposeful ways to ask for help, request favorite items, or share feelings. Once children achieve this foundation, we build on it to encourage sentence formation, conversational exchange, and spontaneous communication. Each session includes active caregiver participation, so families learn how to prompt and reinforce communication throughout the day.
The Bridges to Shine in-home model ensures therapy fits smoothly into daily life. We adapt strategies to your home layout, communication materials, and technology so your child can practice wherever they are most comfortable. Families receive ongoing support, progress monitoring, and adjustments to ensure continuous growth. Our goal is not just to teach communication — it’s to build connection, confidence, and understanding between children and those who love them most.
With Bridges to Shine’s In Home PECS / Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training, families gain expert, compassionate guidance that empowers children to express themselves freely — through pictures, gestures, technology, or speech. Every exchange is a step toward independence, confidence, and a stronger voice in the world.
Learn more about communication skills and disorders at the ASHA website.
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