A longitudinal study of the teacch program in different settings: the potential benefits of low intensity intervention in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder.

We conducted a longitudinal study of 30 preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to evaluate the potential benefits of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH). Fifteen children following a low intensity TEACCH program were assessed four times for autism severity, adaptive functioning, language skills, maladaptive behaviors and parental stress and compared with a control group of 15 children following a non-specific approach. Findings suggest that a low intensity home and school TEACCH program may provide benefits for children with ASD by reducing autistic symptoms and maladaptive behaviors. Furthermore, a decrease in parental stress indicates that parents' involvement in the rehabilitation program is a crucial factor and contributes greatly to treatment efficacy.