"This updated edition of the 2002 visual communication primer by behavior analyst Bondy and speech pathologist Frost covers communication difficulties experienced by children with autism and related disorders as well as methods that can be used to teach them to communicate. The authors reintroduce parents and educators to their Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other communication strategies based on new research. In addition to their presentation of alternative communication systems, they include information on tools that can be used to implement the systems, such as their timely discussion of how the iPad and iPod Touch can be used as an inexpensive but high-tech communication aid. The authors include stories about children they have worked with to demonstrate real-world applications of their methods. Finally, they discuss how visual strategies can help children meet such challenges as schedule following, waiting, and dealing with transitions.
Verdict The authors provide practical information in a convenient format that parents and professionals can follow step by step. The writing is clear and concise and even humorous and touching at times. Highly recommended for anyone who works with children or even adults with autism."
-Library Journal Xpress Reviews, September 29, 2011
"In A Picture’s Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism, Second Edition, Andy Bondy and Lori Frost update a popular handbook on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other visual communications strategies for children with autism who have significant communication difficulties. The first four chapters offer concise, jarjon-free explanations of how it relates to behavior. These chapters are excellent references for any busy parent. They are very brief, with straightforward language and examples to aid understanding, and each chapter ends with a list of excellent resources for continued learning. The fifth chapter, on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems, covers the practical physical tools to use with children who struggle to form or understand speech. This chapter has been thoroughly revised to include the latest relevant technology (including iPhone and iPad apps) alongside their low-tech alternatives. The remaining chapters offer a step-by-step guide to PECS, including how to decide whether it is right for your child.
This book is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to learn about communicating with a child with autism, and/or considering PECS. The writing is clear and concise, the sections are short, and the headings are bold and easy to find. Each chapter uses examples of real children to illustrate the main points and processes. The section that discusses PECS goes step by step chronologically, and explains important points close to the relevant step. There are loads of tables, illustrations, and pictures. Weighing in at under 150 pages, it can be read cover to cover in an afternoon, or you can take advantage of its outstanding organization to read it bit by bit in no particular order. Andy Bondy and Lori Frost have accomplished an admirable feat by making up-to-date research and practice easily accessible to the busy parent."
-Newsline, Winter 2012 (Federation for Children with Special Needs)
"Bondy and Frost have provided an invaluable resource for every ASD library. Practical, easy to read, and well supported by research, this book provides comprehensive how-to guidelines for providing visual supports to enhance the expression and understanding of critical communication exchanges."
-Kathleen Dyer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, Associate Clinical Professor,
Division of Communication Disorders, Elms College, Chicopee, Massachusetts and
Clinical Director, River Street Autism Program at Coltsville in Hartford, Connecticut
"In this new edition, Bondy and Frost have incorporated the latest theories and research on autism and communication. Being co-developers of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), they are positioned to share their knowledge and experience. Each chapter begins with a case study or vignette. They explain the importance of communication, how children learn to communicate, and how unwanted behavior results when communication fails. This is when a method of non-speech or alternative communication is vital. While these methods may be low-tech symbols, gestures or photos, or involve something more high-tech, the important thing is to find the system that works best to enable communication.
PECS is described in detail—what it is, who will benefit from it, how to use it, the steps involved, and even how to use it with siblings. They support the continued use of PECS, even after some speech is learned. Mention is also given to the use of apps, iPads and Ipod touch devices. Because the book is written in an easy, conversational tone, it is well suited for parents as well as health professionals and teachers. Chapter summaries are included and other sources are cited throughout for further reading."
CAPHIS Consumer Connections
"This comprehensive step-by-step guide provides clear ways to use visual methods to help families empower their children to use effective communication. This edition has been updated to reflect cutting edge research and includes state-of-the-art strategies for using the latest technologies. A must-read book for any parent or professional hoping to help children with autism communicate more effectively."
-Aubyn Stahmer, Ph.D., Research Director, Autism Discovery Institute, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
"A child literally bangs her head against a wall in frustration. She wants something, but can’t seem to tell anyone what it is. Her mother gently but firmly pulls her into her arms to protect her little girl as her heart aches. It’s not an unheard of scene in the autism community. And it’s one that strengthens anew a parent’s resolve to find a way to better communicate with their child who has autism.
"Communication is perhaps the most important skill you can teach a child. A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism is a guide to helping one's autistic child better grasp communication through PECS, the picture exchange communication system, an easy to use system that help an autistic child grasp communication at a higher level. A Picture's Worth is a strong pick for educators and parents who want to work the PECS system into a child's education, highly recommended."
Library Bookwatch, November 2011
In their book A Picture’s Worth, Dr. Andy Bondy and Lori Frost explain the Picture Exchange Communication System, which assists children with autism in sharing their thoughts and needs. Better communication promotes richer relationships for everyone, as well as greater safety and increased comfort for the child. Bondy and Frost offer parents (and teachers and therapists) realistic hope that better communication may be possible as well as practical advice for how to achieve that goal.
The authors detail the communication system they created, in which children use pictures to help them communicate. They share how and when to train a child in this system. They explain the training process, how to evaluate results, and how to gradually increase the richness of the communication. As they do so, they are hopeful, but clear and realistic about expectations for results. Along the way, they allow plenty of room for differences between children, celebrate even small successes, and encourage continued growth. And throughout, they share plenty of true-to-life stories that highlight the struggles and joys of working with children who have communication challenges.
Bondy is a behavior analyst while Frost is a speech/language pathologist. Their various specialties merge seamlessly to provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs of children with autism. They’ve been working with such children and their families for years. Their sensitivity, expertise, and insights shine through on every page.
While the stories included draw the reader in, the book does sound a bit like a textbook at times. But that’s minimal and to be expected in a manual as instructional as this one. Generally, the authors provide solid, easy-to understand advice that anyone can follow. They are clear that every child is different and that no single strategy will work in every situation, or work to the same extent. Nevertheless, A Picture’s Worth offers a shining light for parents and teachers looking for a way to break through barriers and enrich relationships with their children."
-ForeWord Reviews, September 2011
