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Treatment and Education of Autistic and
Related Communication Handicapped CHildren.
What is TEACCH? TEACCH is a method that was developed in the 1970's at the University of North Carolina in the United States. It is now used by many public school systems around the world. A TEACCH classroom is usually very structured, with separate, defined areas for each task, such as individual work, group activities, and play. It relies heavily on visual learning, a strength for many children with autism and PDD. The children use schedules made up of pictures and/or words to order their day and to help them move smoothly between activities. Children with autism may find it difficult to make transitions between activities and places. Children may sit at a work station and be required to complete certain activities, such as matching pictures or letters. The finished assignments are then placed in a container. Children may use picture communication symbols -- small laminated squares that contain a symbol and a word -- to answer questions and request items from their teacher. The symbols help relieve frustration for nonverbal children while helping those who are starting to speak to recall and say the words they want. TEACCH at UNICA Although UNICA staff incorporate TEACCH into classrooms, experience has taught them that one never stops learning and improving. In 2007 UNICA welcomes a visit from Margaret Golding, a well-known educational consultant in the field of autism, who will review UNICA classrooms and make specific suggestions for improvement in organisation and methodology. The teaching staff will complete a 2-week intensive course on TEACCH. <<< Back to Teaching Methods |
