Special education versus inclusive education: the role of the TEACCH program

J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Jun;39(6):874-82. doi: 10.1007/s10803-009-0696-5. Epub 2009 Feb 10.

Abstract

Our study aimed at comparing, over a period of 3 years, the effectiveness of three different educational approaches addressed to children with autism and severe mental retardation. The first one was a treatment and education of autistic and related communication handicapped children (TEACCH) program implemented in a residential center; the second was a TEACCH program implemented at home and at mainstream schools, after a specific parent psychoeducational training; the third approach referred to inclusive education in mainstream schools, in which a nonspecific approach was implemented. Each subject was assessed twice, using the Psycho-Educational Profile-Revised (PEP-R) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS)-survey form. Effectiveness of TEACCH appeared to be confirmed, showing positive outcomes in the natural setting, and revealing its inclusive value.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Communication
  • Education, Special* / methods
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Italy
  • Mainstreaming, Education*
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Parents / education*
  • Program Evaluation / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Social Behavior
  • Treatment Outcome