Teaching and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a service, training, and research program used with individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism. It is highly recommended and used by many different educational facilities that cater to children on the autism spectrum. This approach involves countless visual items to help each child build a greater understanding of the environment around them. The TEACCH approach aims at emphasizing a child’s strengths in order to compensate for the areas in which a child has difficulties. The model is designed to build and teach new skills to children by using their already well-developed skills as a foundation for growth of their underdeveloped skills.

 

TEACCH also includes a classroom-based model, but a classroom must be set up appropriately in order for TEACCH to be implemented efficiently. In most models, there is a specific area of the classroom where a child can work one-on-one with a teacher, and the teacher and student work area is labeled as a separate section, with visual cues indicating different games and activities. 

 

The visual cues represent the schedule of the day; they describe to the child how each day will unfold. After becoming familiar with the schedule, children begin to develop a sense of independence and will gradually need less assistance. It is important for a child and the teacher to follow a similar schedule each day in order for the child to gain a sense of security from the schedule and develop independence. 

 

Parents should work actively with the classroom teacher to create a schedule that fits the specific needs of a child. Activities, games, and events should mirror the specific capabilities of each child and focus on specific areas in which the child needs help. 

 

Sources:

 

[Dodd, Susan. Understanding Autism. Australia: Elsevier, 2005. p.27-28]