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The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and a speech-generating device (SGD) were compared in a study with a multiple baseline, alternating treatment design. The effectiveness of these methods in increasing social-communicative behavior and natural speech production were assessed with three elementary school-aged children with severe autism who demonstrated extremely limited functional communication skills. Results for social-communicative behavior were mixed for all participants in both treatment conditions. Relatively little difference was observed between PECS and SGD conditions. Although findings were inconclusive, data patterns suggest that Phase II of the PECS training protocol is conducive to encouraging social-communicative behavior. Data for speech outcomes did not reveal any increases across participants, and no differences between treatment conditions were observed.

Empirical evidence supports the notion of special education teachers receiving limited pre-service training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This lack of training is not only evident in the United States but in other countries such as United Kingdom, India, and Israel. Yet the teaching demands for the use of AAC are increasing as more students with complex communication needs are entering the school systems. As a result, this paper outlines four special education teacher competencies needed to effectively address the communication needs of these students. The four competencies consist of the needs for training in the areas of (1) communication development and communicative competencies, (2) teamwork and collaborative practices, (3) role and functions of AAC systems, and (4) AAC assessment and instructional strategies. These competencies are aligned to the standards from the Council for Exceptional Children and the literature available on AAC training. Evidence suggests there is a lack of training for special education teachers and other professionals in this area and limited research to guide teacher preparation programs.

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