PECS-Mat Pro: A Nutritional-Categorized Audio-Assisted PECS and Sensory-Calming Modular Table Module for Special Education and Autism Intervention

About the Project

Children with speech delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience difficulties in expressing their needs, particularly when requesting food and communicating their preferences. At the same time, some children with sensory and behavioural difficulties have limited sitting tolerance and may become restless, bored or agitated while waiting for meals. These challenges can increase the workload of Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI) teachers, teacher assistants and parents, particularly when managing several children during mealtimes while ensuring appropriate nutritional choices. Therefore, PECS-Mat Pro is introduced as a modular table-based intervention designed to support communication, sensory regulation and nutritional awareness among children with special educational needs. The objectives of this innovation are to provide an alternative daily intervention tool at home and school, stimulate audio-assisted communication, introduce nutritional categorisation through food choices, improve sitting tolerance through sensory activities, and support more systematic classroom and mealtime management. The product is developed using a modular tabletop mat, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards, audio modules, touch-sensitive or push-button components, interchangeable food-category panels, and built-in silicone-based tactile or fidget elements. The development method involves problem identification, literature and product review, prototype design, component integration, user testing and product refinement. The novelty of PECS-Mat Pro lies in its combination of PECS communication, audio-assisted speech stimulation, nutritional categorisation and sensory-calming activities within one modular table module. The innovation is applicable in special education classrooms, therapy sessions, homes, school dining areas and early intervention settings. Its commercial value lies in its modular design, reusable components and potential for customisation according to individual children's communication and sensory needs. The innovation may also support parents and educators by providing a structured intervention tool that can be used consistently outside hospital-based therapy sessions. Overall, PECS-Mat Pro has the potential to improve functional communication, mealtime participation, sensory regulation and nutritional awareness while supporting inclusive special education practices. With further validation and development, the product has potential for commercialisation through special education centres, therapy providers, schools and direct-to-consumer markets. Keywords: PECS, speech delay, autism intervention, sensory regulation, nutritional education, special education, audio-assisted learning.