TITLE:
Parents’ Perceptions of Using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in English for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Children
AUTHORS:
Maslawati Mohamad, Puteri Nabilah Esa, Rafidah Kamarudin, Erni
KEYWORDS:
Perceptions, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Children, English as a Second Language, Communication Skills
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
24,
2022
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to explore the users’ perceptions of using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The PECS is written in English and designed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children. The research questions of this study are: 1) What are the parents’ positive perceptions of using PECS in English for ASD children? And 2) What are the parents’ negative perceptions of using PECS in English for ASD children? This study is carried out by using a case study approach where the researchers interviewed 5 occupational therapists and 4 parents with ASD children. Data were collected through focus-group interviews and open-ended survey via Google Meet and WhatsApp. The findings for research question 1 are 1) Using PECS in English enhances ASD children’s learning, 2) Using PECS in English improves ASD children’s communication skills, and 3) PECS in English promotes bilingualism for ASD children. The findings for research question 2 are 1) PECS in English is not suitable for children of all ages, and 2) PECS in English is not ideal for collaborative learning for low-function ASD children. This study could help parents with ASD children to utilize PECS in English to teach them new skills appropriately.