Acquisition and generalization of the picture exchange communication system behaviors across settings, persons, and stimulus classes with three students with autism

This study examined the acquisition and generalization of requesting behaviors learned through PECS with three children with autism. A single-subject multiple baseline across participants design was used to determine the effects of PECS. Results indicated that all three participants acquired PECS skills for requesting and generalized the skills across settings and persons. However, only two of the three participants met criterion on the generalization across stimulus class probes. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. This study provides preliminary data on generalization of PECS across stimulus classes by persons with autism.