TEACCH

A comprehensive, evidence-based programme for supporting people with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan, developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Rather than a single method, TEACCH is a framework that uses structured teaching — organising the physical environment, developing schedules, and creating work systems — to build on the strengths and accommodate the learning differences of autistic individuals. Key principles include understanding the culture of autism, developing individualised person- and family-centred plans, structuring the environment to make it predictable, and using visual supports. TEACCH aims to maximise autonomy and quality of life by adapting environments and expectations to the person rather than requiring the person to conform to neurotypical norms.