TEACCH approach

TEACCH is a treatment method developed at the University of North Carolina that uses structured learning settings and visual supports to help autistic individuals. The system builds on personal strengths and routines by organizing information in clear, predictable ways that match how each person learns best.

A researcher established the program in 1971 at the University of North Carolina to provide better support for autistic individuals. The approach quickly spread across clinics throughout the state, becoming widely adopted for helping people develop practical life skills.

The approach transformed how people understood autism by showing that affected individuals did not necessarily have mental illness alongside their diagnosis. This shift in perspective changed how families, schools, and communities approached support and inclusion.

Parents, teachers, and professionals use the method to create personalized support plans and organize learning spaces for individuals with autism. The approach works best when everyone involved applies the same visual and structural techniques consistently in daily routines.

Rather than remaining a single institution's program, the approach became the foundation for a network of publicly supported centers across the state. These centers have trained professionals and supported families for generations, making it one of the most sustained intervention systems for autism.

Inception: 1972

Creator: Eric Schopler

Website: http://teacch.com

GPS coordinates: 35.89169,-79.08070

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:36