TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related
Communication-handicapped Children) has grown over the past three
decades from a small clinic for children to an internationally
recognized treatment and support modality for individuals of all ages
with autism spectrum disorders. In The TEACCH Approach to Autism
Spectrum Disorders, the program's founders and their colleagues explain
its methods and philosophy based on an understanding and respect for
"the culture of autism."
The TEACCH program focuses on persons with autism and the development of
instruction and supports based on each individual's skills, interests,
and needs. It draws from the research literature in psychology and
neuropsychology to create activities and environments that are organized
to emphasize meaningfulness--an approach that has proved crucial to an
autistic individual's ability to learn, comprehend, and apply learning
across situations.
The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders explains how:
- TEACCH targets critical areas in executive functioning, engagement,
communication, and social skills.
- Strategies can be tailored to an individual's unique developmental
and functional level.
- Parents become involved in all phases of intervention as
collaborators, cotherapists, and advocates.
- The program can be introduced and adapted for individuals of all
ages, from preschool children to adults.
- Professionals can be trained in the program and its methods.
This progressive program offers individuals with autism, their families,
teachers, and therapists both optimism and useful strategies, without
minimizing the condition or its effects. All clinicians working with
people with autism will find The TEACCH Approach to Autistic Spectrum
Disorders a valuable resource.
