A literature review of the Treatment and Education for Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) Program

Abstract

Autism is a complex disorder that affects a child’s social skills, communication skills and restricts a child’s activities and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Since Kanner first identified autism in 1943 (Gresham et al., 1999), several theories regarding causes, treatments, and research directions have been introduced. One of the treatment programs developed to assist children with autism is the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH) program. Three important aspects TEACCH are early diagnosis and assessment, parental collaboration, and structured teaching. The current investigation reviews the history and characteristics of autism, development of the TEACCH program, relevant literature in the above-mentioned aspects of the program, and suggests future research directions regarding TEACCH.