Using sign and PECS simultaneously

[rbdarian]

I wanted some professional opinion regarding the use of sign and PECS in teaching request/mand with an autistic child who is developmentally functioning at the 15-18 month level. Would it be wise to use both systems simultaneously or rather gather data on the effectiveness of one (sign) over the other (picture exchange). This child is beginning to say vowels, CV and VC syllables to approximate words when used with gestures/sign. Pictures (digital) are used as a visual schedule currently. She has quite an extensive sign vocabulary which she is using at home and is beginning to use at her school.

[evawd]

I certainly am not an authority on this subject, but since you say that the child has a rather extensive sign vocabulary and is beginning to use word approximations in conjunction with sign, I would suggest sticking with that combination of oral and sign for communication. Too many modes,sign, oral, and PECS might be too much for the child to handle.