Abstract: Over 25 years ago, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed and used a training protocol that incorporated Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to help rapidly establish manding and other key verbal operants in students with ASD and other developmental issues. Many research reviews describe PECS as an evidence-based practice, including a recent publication in the journal Pediatrics. In that 2012 publication, which supported the strong evidence in support of ABA, it also noted that was as yet no evidence for the effectiveness of �AAC devices.� However, with the advance of technology involving the use of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and iPad apps, many parents and professionals are convinced that the technological advances and the voice associated with such devices will help lead to better communication skills as well as speech. This talk will review recent research regarding such devices as well as apps. We also will review why the PECS protocol is effective with regard to the rapid development of verbal behavior - behavior under the stimulus control of the audience (or listener). We will then use a similar analysis to review whether some of the uses of SGDs and apps ensures that verbal behavior is being established. We will end by pointing out some simple ways to demonstrate whether an electronic device is being used as a toy or as part of a communication strategy.