LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE TEACCH METHOD, A STRUCTURED FORM OF TEACHING WHICH FOCUSES ON THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS, INTERESTS, AND SKILLS TO DEVELOP THEIR AUTONOMY.

By Andréas RB DEOLINDA, BA, BSc

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in communication and language, understanding abstract concepts, gestures, and understanding the concept of time, as well as engaging in social settings and creating interpersonal relationships, to name a few. Due to these difficulties, some children with autism lack the social or emotional ability to engage in conversations, and lack adaptive social skills.

Because of these challenges that many children with autism experience, which affect their ability to be independent, the TEACCH method was developed. The TEACCH method is a structured form of teaching that focuses on the child’s development needs, interests, and their skills to develop the child’s autonomy.

This article will provide a brief overview of the TE- ACCH method, its principles, and the benefits of this approach for children on the autism spectrum, with evidence from literature.

What is the TEACCH method?

The TEACCH method, which stands for the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children method, was specifically developed for children with autism spectrum disorder. This method of teaching was developed at the University of North Carolina by Dr. Eric Schopler and Dr. Robert Reichler in the 1960s; its methodology delivers a structured form of visual learning, and it is sometimes referred to as Structured Teaching.

One of the benefits of the TEACCH method is that it is specific to ASD, and takes into account all the characteristic traits of autism (and each autistic child’s particular difficulties) making the intervention specific for every child’s needs. This is done through structured and continuous intervention, by adapting the environment, and providing alternative communication training. It can also be implemented alongside other approaches or therapies.