Autism and School Programs

In the school setting, there are other programs that may be used. The relationship-based developmental program is one example. This focuses on what developmental level the child is at, how he is progressing emotionally, how he responds to his environment, and what types of social relationships he has.

A program called "treatment and education of autistic and related communication-handicapped children" (or TEACCH) is also used in schools. In general, this involves a structured schedule and tasks that focus on certain skills, including verbal skills, social skills, and daily activities.

For children with communication difficulties, there are alternative communication systems that can be taught, such as:

• Picture exchange communication system—involves using pictures rather than words to communicate
• Sign language—involves using hand signals rather than speech to communicate
• Facilitated communication—involves assisting a child to use a keyboard or another device to communicate

In addition, there are sensory therapies that may be beneficial for children with autism:

• Occupational therapy
• Sensory integration therapy—to help with organizing sensory information
• Developmental optometry—to help with vision problems that are related to learning

Read more details about School Programs.