PECS - Cheaper alternative?

I got the "you should look into buying the cards" pitch the other day. I looked online and

I just began exploring DIY options but factoring in how time consuming it will be, how crappy the free online pictures look and the cost of printer ink and laminating sheets, I was wondering if there was a better way?

Anyone by chance selling a set that their DC has outgrown?

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

The pictures should be relative to your ds's world. So using a camera and taking photos of the things he needs, wants or plays with, would probably more realistic. You can also turn objects into a communication board. Take a juice box, and add a magnet.... etc

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

I made my own. DS does not get the illustrations. He needs the actual pic of HIS toys, OUR fridge. I bought a laminating machine. I got some mini binder. Laminated stock paper to make them thicker. I got self adhesive velcro.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

I made some of my own for when we went on vacation. I got some pretty good pictures off of Google. laminated them on put them on a ring.
My DD's teacher actually made all the pics and token board they use at school. If your child goes to school, maybe the teachers can do that for you.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Farmingdale library has the CD and the book you could borrow or give me a list of pictures you wold like and I can make you some.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

we took pictures of the actual object or desire and had them printed at any photo place that was running a special.

also his teachers/therapists gave us a bunch too.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

I actually asked our family trainer about buying a set and she said that we'd probably be better off just using photos of things DS is familiar with and laminating those. she helped me with the Laminating but I know some of the educational stores (Lakeshore, for example) have laminating machines you can use and pay for per page.

I did ask his classroom teacher for a couple they were using with him at school (quiet mouth and no hitting).

Message edited 8/12/2011 8:37:07 AM.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Thanks for asking! I'm in the process of making some for home, and it's good to know Lakeshore will laminate if I don't want to invest in a machine.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

I second using "real" pictures, much more functional.

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Google images is a great source for pictures of real items.

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This website has a ton ...maybe something you need is here! But I agree with PP about taking pictures of their things. Much more meaningful for them! http://trainland.tripod.com/pecs.htm

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

thanks for everyone's help. I went online and bought an inexpensive laminating machine and am going to "do it myself!" And thanks for the tip about taking my own pictures. I printed some PECS from a website and DS keeps grabbing the playdough picture (that looks like colored blobs) and pointing to the kitchen Certainly hasn't help me to figure out what he wants

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

Posted by Domino

thanks for everyone's help. I went online and bought an inexpensive laminating machine and am going to "do it myself!" And thanks for the tip about taking my own pictures. I printed some PECS from a website and DS keeps grabbing the playdough picture (that looks like colored blobs) and pointing to the kitchen Certainly hasn't help me to figure out what he wants

Re: PECS - Cheaper alternative?

We spent the $175 on the cards and for me it was worth it. We also had a ton of pics that we took of his toys and things. He's going to school full-time now, so we will probably use them as flash cards for his twin sister who is going to nursery school next year.