Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I thought that many individuals with ASD rely on routine almost TOO much; won’t incorporating more structure make it more difficult for them to adjust to changes?
A. Think about the routines in your own day; you are more likely to be successful and happy if you know what to expect, how to go about starting and completing tasks, and have a minimum of changes or difficulties. For individuals with ASD, we know that their learning style compounds the difficulties they encounter in play, school, and work. Providing structure in situations that we have control over increases the likelihood of success and attempts to try more activities. When situations come up in which we have no control (emergencies, an activity is cancelled, etc.), having visual supports and strategies in place from other situations may help.

Q. This looks great for my classroom; can this be done at home as well?
A. Great question! The best outcomes for individuals with ASD occur when there is collaboration between home and school. You can use the principles discussed here and apply them to situations at home. As students get older and move out of home to supported living or independent living situations, the same techniques can be used.

Q. Where can I find out more about the TEACCH program?
A. The TEACCH program (which stands for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children) was founded in 1972 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program provides information and resources for parents and professionals and can be accessed through a web site as well as through your autism society.

Link to TEACCH website: www.TEACCH.com