PECS is useful for communicating basic needs, wants, and other simple ideas. It consists of a series of picture cards, which may be kept in a binder or another storage place. The autistic person hands a card to another person to represent what they want to say (for example, a card with a picture of a book if they want you to read to them). Picture cards should be kept in an easily accessible location, so the autistic person can get them at any time.