Treatment of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)

The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a widely recognized, evidence-based intervention program developed in the early 1970s at the University of North Carolina. It is specifically designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and aims to address their unique developmental, social, and communication needs.

TEACCH is a comprehensive, structured approach that is based on the understanding of the cognitive, learning, and communication differences in individuals with autism. The program focuses on fostering independence and improving the quality of life for those with ASD and their families.

TEACCH employs a variety of strategies, including:

Structured Teaching: This involves organizing the physical environment, creating predictable routines, and utilizing visual supports to help individuals with ASD better understand their surroundings and expectations.
Individualized Scheduling: Personalized schedules are created to provide a clear and consistent framework for daily activities, helping individuals with ASD understand what to expect and navigate transitions more easily.
Work Systems: These are visual systems that outline the steps, materials, and expectations for a specific task or activity, promoting independence and skill development.
Visual Communication: Visual aids, such as social stories, visual schedules, and visual cues, are used to support communication and comprehension for individuals with ASD.
Parent and Professional Collaboration: TEACCH emphasizes collaboration between parents, educators, and professionals to ensure consistency in strategies and support across all environments.

The TEACCH approach can be adapted and implemented in various settings, including schools, homes, and community programs, to support the diverse needs of individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan.

Introducing TEACCH: An Inclusive Autism Program

Originating at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, the TEACCH Autism Program is a clinical, educational, and research-based initiative developed by Dr. Eric Schopler and Dr. Robert Reichler in the 1960s. Since becoming a statewide program in 1972, TEACCH has served as an inspiration for similar programs across the globe.

The foundation of TEACCH lies in the "Structured TEACCHing" method, which addresses the unique learning characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such as:

Proficiency in processing visual information
Struggles with social communication, attention, and executive function

Structured TEACCHing supplies teachers with tools and strategies for classroom use, supporting students with autism in achieving educational and therapeutic objectives. The Structured TEACCHing approach emphasizes:

External organizational aids to tackle attention and executive function challenges
Visual and/or written information to complement verbal communication
Structured assistance for social communication

This method encourages meaningful engagement in activities while enhancing students' adaptability, independence, and self-confidence. Structured TEACCHing techniques can be incorporated alongside other methods and therapies.

Implementing TEACCH

TEACCH programs are typically applied in classroom settings, but TEACCH-based home programs also exist. Parents collaborate with professionals as co-therapists for their children, enabling them to utilize TEACCH techniques at home.

Structured TEACCHing employs organization and support within the classroom environment to optimize student learning, including:

Physical organization
Personalized schedules
Work (Activity) systems
Visual structure of materials in tasks and activities

Who Offers TEACCH Services?

Various autism professionals utilize TEACCH methods:

Special education teachers
Residential care providers
Psychologists
Social workers
Speech therapists

To become certified, professionals must complete a certification program provided by the TEACCH Autism Program in North Carolina. Trainings are available online and in-person on the TEACCH campus.

The program features two certification levels: Practitioner and Advanced Consultant. For more information on training and certification, visit the TEACCH website.

TEACCH's Effectiveness

A 2011 review of over 150 autism-intervention studies determined that the TEACCH program exhibited the most substantial evidence of educational benefits among all recognized programs. These benefits encompassed improved learning (cognition) and motor skills.

Additional studies highlighted the advantages of employing TEACCH strategies in residential and employment programs for adults with autism.

Insurance Coverage for TEACCH

TEACCH clinical services are offered as part of the UNC Health Care system's UNC Faculty Physicians group. UNC TEACCH accepts the same insurance providers as UNC Health Care. For a complete list, visit the link provided: UNC Medical Center Insurance Accepted.

Finding a TEACCH-Trained Provider

Search the Autism Speaks Directory to find TEACCH-trained professionals in your area.

Visit the TEACCH Autism Program website to locate TEACCH regional centers in North Carolina.

Additional Information

TEACCH Autism Program website