Time parameter of Picture Exchange Communication System - PECS implemetation in autistic children

• Grant number: 12/18895-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Jacy Perissinoto
• Grantee: Laís Hamada Kobayashi
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa. Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Picture Exchange Communication System - PECS, created by Frost and Bondy (1994) is a carefully planned system for autistic individuals, which involves replacing a figure of speech and encourages the expression of needs and desires. It consists of pictures/photographs selected according to the lexical repertoire of each subject. Objective: This project seeks to determine how long it takes for the implementation of PECS in Autistic Children, considering the interval between phase 1 (phase name) and phase 3 (phase name).Method: They will be examined 10 children of both genders, diagnosed with Autism, ages 5 and 10 years. To analyze the period of time for implementation of PECS will be collected the following information in the interview with parents: Age of child (considering the age at the beginning of the implementation of phase 1); verbal performance and Intellectual Quotient and Social Quotient, Scholarity, frequency of absences or presences at sessions; List of words mentioned by family (preference list); Average time (in session) for implementation of Phases 1, 2 and 3. It is expected that takes less than six months to reach the third phase. However, we must consider the severity of clinical condition. After the computation of the data, they will be subjected to statistical analysis. (AU)