TEACCH

TEACCH (Treatment and Education for Autistic and Children with Communication Handicap) was founded in 1964 as a result of research conducted by Dr. Eric Schopler. This developmental approach emphasizes space and task organization and the development of communication and autonomy. Various techniques or teaching models may be included. 

This approach views autism as a permanent syndrome primarily affecting language, social and independence skills. Its structure consists of using visual strategies that help to compensate for deficits perceived as permanent for people with a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Tools must constantly be adapted to the person's changing needs. There are three major visual tools: the work schedule to facilitate the understanding of expectations, independent work to aim for autonomous performance and the communication notebook to facilitate expressive language.  

The work schedule demonstrates the different stages in a person's day, as well as what is expected of him/her, so that he/she can anticipate what will happen. This strategy facilitates information recall with regards to time and makes adapting to change easier.

Independent work is made up of tasks the person can carry out alone. The person reviews learned concepts through individual work, and learns to organize and update tasks without assistance throughout.

The communication notebook is an expressive communication tool that allows the person to use images to express his/her needs. Stimulation is divided into individual and group interventions.