Structured Teaching
Several classes in the Milestone use teaching strategies developed by the T.E.A.C.C.H and P.E.C.S organisations.
The TEACCH programme is available at The Milestone School for pupils with autistic and related communication difficulties.
The TEACCH programme is available at The Milestone School for pupils with autistic and related communication difficulties.
TEACCH involves structured teaching and the following of routines and schedules. The programme was originally developed in the United States and is now an internationally accepted approach. Staff working in this programme have received specialist training.
Organizing the physical environment, developing schedules and work systems, making expectations clear and explicit, and using visual materials have been effective ways of developing skills and allowing people with autism to use these skills independently of direct adult prompting and cueing.
These priorities are especially important for students with autism who are frequently held back by their inability to work independently in a variety of situations.
Structured teaching says nothing about where people with autism should be educated; this is a decision based on the skills and needs of each individual student.
Some can work effectively and benefit from regular educational programs, while others will need special classrooms for part or all of the day where the physical environment, curriculum, and personnel can be organized and manipulated to reflect individual needs.
These priorities are especially important for students with autism who are frequently held back by their inability to work independently in a variety of situations.
Structured teaching says nothing about where people with autism should be educated; this is a decision based on the skills and needs of each individual student.
Some can work effectively and benefit from regular educational programs, while others will need special classrooms for part or all of the day where the physical environment, curriculum, and personnel can be organized and manipulated to reflect individual needs.
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used alongside the TEACCH programme. PECS is a programme designed to help young children with communication difficulties and was also developed in the United States. Children are taught to use pictures in direct communication to help with the development of more meaningful and functional communication skills.
