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Expressing opinions, feelings, needs and wants involves a repertoire of skills collectively known as expressive language skills.
For most people, speaking is their primary form of expressive communication and there are people who rely on sign language or portable devices that convert text to speech.
But it is not unusual to encounter people for whom none of these options are viable. Kintore Street School places great importance on being able to listen to the voices of children and providing them with ways to be successful communicators.
Teacher Anthony Menheere said one method being used successfully for non-verbal and pre-verbal students is the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, a strategy some students are using as their primary form of expressive communication.
"Students begin by exchanging a small picture card for an item, but as their skills improve they combine cards to create more complex sentences," he said. "Eventually they will be able to complete all academic and social tasks, and be independent communicators.
"When PECS was developed there were concerns students' verbal communication skills might not develop if they learned the technique. However, there is evidence suggesting PECS improves oral language development in autistic students by reducing the frustration and anxiety they experience in trying to produce words.
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"There are several Transition class students who, this year, have had their first experiences with PECS. Each student has a growing vocabulary they use daily to communicate with staff and to interact with their classmates.
"In the classroom they are able to let the teacher know whether they want a sandwich or juice at snack time. In the playground, they can approach a staff member and ask for a push on the swing, or ask to join a game with other students."
Students who use PECS at school have shown significant improvements in their behavior and attitudes towards learning. The method is being used at home.