For a child like Andrew who communicates primarily by reaching, which method is likely to aid his communication?

Using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an effective method for a child like Andrew who communicates primarily by reaching. PECS is designed to support communication in individuals who may have limited verbal abilities by allowing them to use pictures to express their needs, wants, and ideas. This method can build a bridge from non-verbal communication strategies, such as reaching, to more structured forms of expressive language.

PECS facilitates communication by providing tangible visual representations of words and concepts. It encourages the child to exchange pictures with a communication partner to convey messages, effectively teaching the fundamental purpose of communication – to convey meaning and elicit responses. As Andrew is already using non-verbal cues, introducing PECS can enhance his communication skills by providing him with a systematic way to express himself using images that he can give to others in lieu of reaching.

Other methods listed may not be as directly translatable to helping him communicate in a clear and structured way. For instance, functional behavioral assessments typically focus on understanding behaviors rather than teaching communication explicitly. Language facilitation might involve techniques to enhance verbal skills but may not directly cater to Andrew's current communication preferences. Social stories, while beneficial for understanding social interactions, do not serve as a direct means for communication but rather aim to