Application of Heuristic Model, A Culturally Sensitive Adaptation of The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) For Autistic Children in Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was conducted for the adaptation of picture exchange communication system (PECS) through the application of Heuristic Model, and the translation of word list of PECS into Urdu. Study was completed into two phases. In first phase, adaptation was done, after the reviews and information gathered through the responses of the pilot and pretesting of the original (PECS) on the sample through convenience sampling (pilot-testing) as the name illustrates, it collects sample data as per the ease of access within the appropriate time (Velozo & Delespaul,2024). Designing daily-life research combining experience sampling method with parallel data. (Kennedy, 2013) and simple random sampling for (pre-testing data). In the second phase, word list of PECS (adapted version) was translated into Urdu, according to the guidelines for adaptation and translation suggested by (Farooq & Munawar, (2024). Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Quebec back pain disability scale to Urdu language. Foundation University Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences, Barerra & Castro, 2006) Heuristic model’s committee approach. Sample comprised of 5autistic children for pilot and 100 normal children for pre-testing of the original (PECS) and 20 committee members. Four committees were made with five members in each i.e. adaptation, translation, back translation, and adjudicators committee. Over all mean responses of autistic children for original PECS in pilot testing was 54.16 and of normal children in pre-testing was 42.81. Similarly, responses of adaptation committee show total 2332 out of 3909 pictures were recommended to be adapted. Overall mean was 54.23. Significant (p) value is less than 0.05, so the ANOVA and Linear model considerably fit for the data. The committee identified almost equal average number of pictures (pilot and pre-testing) which were not or wrongly identified by autistic and normal children, Culture.
