Edukasi Modifikasi Media Flashcard Berbasis Prinsip PECS Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bahasa Ekspresif Anak Speech Delay

Abstract

This community service activity aimed to apply modified flashcards based on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) principles as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to stimulate functional communication in a child with expressive language delay. This intervention was motivated by the high prevalence of speech delay among preschool children in Indonesia (42.5%), alongside the scarcity of practical stimulation media that parents can implement independently at home. The participant was a 3-year-10-month-old boy with expressive language delay, characterized by minimal verbal production, limited eye contact, echolalia, and a lack of spontaneous communication initiation. Conducted over four weekly home visits from June 21 to July 18 in Bandung, the activity actively involved one child and parents through baseline assessment, media implementation, pre-testing, and final post-testing. The developed AAC medium consisted of flashcards inside a colorful magic box covering daily activities, food and beverages, and toys. Results demonstrated notable improvements in the client's communication indicators, specifically the ability to engage in magic box interactions independently, answer simple questions, and name object and animal cards. Overall, this PECS-based flashcard medium serves as an engaging and practical alternative for communication stimulation.