Most young children with autism have significant delays in acquiring communication skills, a hallmark characteristic of autism. But with intensive early intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis techniques, children can be taught how to communicate successfully, even before they acquire the ability to use speech. This book examines the value of non-verbal communication strategies for children with autism, and presents the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in detail. PECS is a communication system that allows a child to use a picture (or series of pictures) to express his needs and desires without a prompt or cue from another person. The authors co-developed PECS during many years of experience working with children with autism, and now share their expertise in this easy-to-understand guide for parents.