Table 2 Summary of Factor analysis

CS_1

In my opinion, the PECS helps the child with autism to express their desires and needs

0.91

CS_2

Based on my experience, the PECS helps the child with autism to express their feelings

0.89

CS_3

In my view, PECS stimulates and improve spoken language among children with ASD.

0.72

CS_4

Based on my experience, the PECS does not help the child with autism to express their emotions and desires.

0.10**

CS_5

Based on my experience, the PECS helps the child with autism to initiate communication and respond to others.

0.82

CS_6

Based on my experience (PECS) contributes to better communication skills among children with autism

0.71

LS_1

In my opinion, the PECS encourages the child with autism to learn new vocabulary

0.79

LS_2

Based on my experience, the PECS helps the child with autism improve their performance in academic subjects (mathematics, reading)

0.64

LS_3

In my opinion, the PECS helps the child with autism learn appropriate behaviours

0.83

LS_4

In my opinion, the PECS does not help the child with autism learn and develop new vocabulary

0.24**

LS_5

Based on my experience, the benefit from the PECS in education varies between individuals

0.36

LS_6

Based on my experience, the PECS is effective with regard to the different learning skills of students with autism

0.61

SIS_1

In my opinion, the PECS helps the child with autism initiate interactions with peers (make new friends and play with them)

0.88

SIS_2

Based on my experience, the PECS helps the child with autism improve their skills to participate in group activities

0.81

SIS_3

Based on my perception, the PECS encourages the child with autism to improve social relationships with their parents, teachers, and others

0.82

SIS_4

In my opinion, the amount of vocabulary used in the PECS is sufficient to complete the communication processes in various social activities

0.32

SIS_5

Based on my experience, the PECS does not help the child with autism interact with their peers and others

0.28**

SIS_6

Based on my experience of the PECS, the development of social interaction skills varies greatly between individuals

0.54

SIS_7

In my opinion, the PECS is the best way to improve social skills in children with autism

0.44