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Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or Sign Language: An Evidence-Based Decision Making Example
Teaching Exceptional Children
  • Trina D. Spencer
  • Douglas B. Petersen
  • Sandra Laing Gillam, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Council for Exceptional Children
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Abstract

Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to clinical decisions as a result of the careful integration of research evidence and student needs. Although required to employ evidence-based practices, teachers receive little training on how to identify what practices are determined to be evidence-based and which are most appropriate for individual students. Often practices are chosen based on teachers’ expertise or on the availability of resources. A time-efficient method for gathering research and incorporating it with student-specific variables will help teachers accomplish the goal of implementing evidence-based practices in their classrooms. The current paper provides three case examples that demonstrate how to apply a structured evidence-based decision making process to the selection of the most appropriate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Comments

Originally published by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Abstract available through remote link. Membership required to access article fulltext.

Citation Information
Spencer, T., Petersen, D., & Gillam, S. (2008). Picture exchange communication system (PECS) or sign language: An evidence-based decision making example, Teaching Exceptional Children, 41, 40-47.