| At a glance: Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communications-handicapped Children (TEACCH) |
Type of therapy
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Combined
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The claim
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Promotes learning and development in people with ASD
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Suitable for
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People with ASD
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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The program is not offered in Australia, so there is no information available on costs. |
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TEACCH is not available in Australia, although parts of the TEACCH therapy are used as a basis for, or together with, other therapies. Your local autism advisor might be able to help you find out more about Australian programs that use parts of the TEACCH therapy.
About this intervention
What is it?
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communications-handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a ‘whole-of-life’ intervention.
The approach looks at the skills and strengths a person already has, and aims to build on these skills to promote development.
For children with autism, TEACCH offers an intensive intervention program that supports children by creating a very structured learning environment. The environment includes physical boundaries between different tasks and clear schedules of daily activities. This helps children understand how daily life works so that they can become more independent.
Who is it for?
TEACCH is for individuals with autism, of all ages and skill levels. The focus of the intervention depends on the age of the person involved. For example, it might focus on early intervention for young children or supported employment for adults.
What is it used for?
The program is used to promote learning and development – in particular, communication and social skills, independence, coping skills and skills for daily life (for example, dressing, washing, cleaning teeth and so on).
Where does it come from?
TEACCH was developed in the mid-1960s in the US, based on the work and theories of the autism researcher Eric Schopler. TEACCH is based at the University of North Carolina in the US.
What is the idea behind it?
This approach is based on the idea that autism is a biological disorder (caused by a problem in the body or brain). TEACCH works with key characteristics of autism, including strengths in understanding visual information, difficulty with communication and organising activities, and a preference for routine.
The key idea is to teach children in a way that makes the most of their strengths and accommodates their weaknesses. The teaching approach is very structured and uses clear schedules that children can understand.
What does it involve?
As with many early interventions for autism, this approach is time-intensive.
Before beginning a TEACCH program, children are assessed to determine their developmental level. The program is tailored to individual needs.
For children, the TEACCH program involves attending an early-intervention centre. Structured teaching is central to the program’s approach. The program also uses schedules to make daily life predictable for children and help them understand their daily activities. The learning environment is physically organised with specific areas for different types of activities.
Children usually learn together in classes, which complete various activities during the day, such as:
- group time
- play time
- individual learning
- skill-building
- snack time.
What children do during the day varies according to their individual needs. Children have individually tailored visual schedules of their own activities (perhaps wall charts or books). As children become more skilled, the level of structure in their environment is reduced so they become more independent.
The program can be modified so that it is run mainly within a family’s home. This can gradually reduce the need for trained therapists and practitioners. Parents are seen as contributors to the therapy and are actively involved.
Cost considerations
TEACCH is not offered in Australia in this form, so no information about its costs is available.
Does it work?
Some research has shown positive effects from this therapy, but more high-quality studies are needed.
Who practises this method?
Professionals delivering this program must undertake training with the TEACCH organisation to become certified. This training is mainly available in the US, but is also available in other countries. There are no training programs in Australia.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
TEACCH is an intensive program, and parents are expected to play an active role, acting as ‘co-therapists’. Parent education, training and support services are available.
Where can I find a practitioner?
TEACCH is not currently offered in Australia. The TEACCH website provides information on where services are offered.
