This comparison draws in part from “Andy Bondy, Ph.D | What's the Emperor Wearing These Days? Communicating with PECS, SGDs and Apps | 1 Hour” (Autism Partnership Foundation), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For andy bondy, ph.d | what's the emperor wearing these days? communicating with pecs, sgds and apps | 1 hour, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Output Modality | PECS: Physical picture exchange; output is the card handed to the communication partner | SGD: Synthesized or recorded speech output; audible to any nearby communication partner |
| Partner Familiarity Requirement | PECS: Requires a physically present, trained communication partner to receive the exchange and deliver the reinforcer | SGD: Speech output is comprehensible to unfamiliar partners without training; expands communicative range beyond trained partners |
| Motor Access | PECS: Requires sufficient motor control to select, remove, and physically exchange a picture card; generally accessible for most motor profiles | SGD: Requires touch accuracy or access method appropriate to motor profile; may require switch access, eye gaze, or other alternative access for learners with motor differences |
| Evidence Base | PECS: Extensive peer-reviewed research base including multiple randomized controlled trials; well-established acquisition procedures across PECS phases | SGD: Strong evidence base for dedicated SGDs; evidence for specific app-based implementations is growing but less extensive than for PECS |
| Cost and Portability | PECS: Low cost for materials; picture boards and cards can be created and replaced inexpensively; portable across contexts with minimal infrastructure | SGD: Dedicated SGDs are expensive; app-based systems are lower cost but require tablet hardware; device durability and battery life are implementation considerations |
| Communicative Complexity Ceiling | PECS: Later phases address sentence structure and commenting, but physical card manipulation limits speed and complexity of extended communicative sequences | SGD: Supports more rapid, complex communicative sequences; vocabulary can be organized to scale with communicative development; more closely approximates natural spoken communication |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching andy bondy, ph.d | what's the emperor wearing these days? communicating with pecs, sgds and apps | 1 hour in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Andy Bondy, Ph.D | What's the Emperor Wearing These Days? Communicating with PECS, SGDs and Apps | 1 Hour — Autism Partnership Foundation · 1 BACB General CEUs · $0
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
183 research articles with practitioner takeaways
171 research articles with practitioner takeaways
123 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB General CEUs · $0 · Autism Partnership Foundation
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.