How to Use TEACCH Training for Autism
TEACCH stands for Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children and is a highly effective way to work with autistic children. To learn TEACCH, you must participate in an in depth training course with certified trainers and then take what you learn and put it to use in your classroom. To be effective, TEACCH must be used correctly.
Instructions
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Look at your classroom set up. To effectively use TEACCH, you must have your room set up with clearly marked learning areas. A work-with-teacher area must be set up to add privacy and a break area should be sectioned off with many activities that engage the student. Each area should be clearly marked with a visual cue and a word that describes the area.
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Use visual cues to structure the day of the student. Having an autistic student's schedule set up with picture cards allows the student to see what task is next. Matching a task on his schedule to a visual cue within the classroom allows for the student to know what and where to go next.
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Focus on teaching the autistic student independence. When implementing a visual schedule, use very few words to direct the student where to go according to the picture on her schedule. Instead, point or use hand over hand to get her where she needs to go. As the student becomes more familiar with her schedule, begin eliminating this assistance to allow for more independence with daily tasks.
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Individualize the day to fit the student's needs. For example, a student who is nonverbal and can't read should have a picture schedule to utilize. A student who is verbal and is able to read should have a picture and words on his schedule. TEACCH should be structured to fit each student, utilizing his skill level.
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Follow the same routine as much as possible each day. Of course not every day is the same, but TEACCH works well because the student knows what is coming next all day, everyday and is very structured. If there is a change in routine, such as a community outing, begin preparing the student ahead of time using picture cues if needed.
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