treat autism by the concrete and the visual

(April 2 update). World Autism Day takes place on April 2. Diagnosed and supported as soon as possible, the autistic child can evolve, self -care and make incredible progress. But since the child with autism, a disorder that alters communication, social interactions and behavior, processes information differently from neurotypical people (therefore without autism spectrum disorders), he needs an extremely environment Structured, stable and soothing with learning devices adapted to its operation. This is precisely what the Teacch program (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Other Communication-Handicapped Children for “Treatment and education of children with autism or suffering from related communication disabilities “). What is this method? Can it suit all children? How is it in place? We take stock with Michel Fabre, the president of the Pro Aid Autism association.

The American psychologist Eric Schopler was one of the first to work on the children with autismand especially their way of assimilating the information and their way of communicating. He is convinced of this: these children need individual support and a stable and suitable environment. He also advocates the pooling of information between health professionals and the parents of the child who must be recognized as “co-therapists“. So that in 1971, A “Teacch division” was born in North Carolina : this is the first diagnostic, treatment, research and education program for children with TSA (autism spectrum disorders). Recommended by the High Authority for Health since 2012, The Teacch method is increasingly used by French families and schools.

“”We do not heal autism, but we can learn to live with and reach a good level of autonomy “

One thing is certain. “”We do not heal autism, but we can learn to live with and develop a remarkable level of autonomy to fit into a family, school, social environment in order to have the most normal daily life possible“, Immediately pose Michel Fabre. The Teacch method So does not try to put the person with autism at the same level as a neurotypical person. On the contrary, she offers parents, those around them and health professionals to Understand the origin of this disorder And the sometimes “abnormal” behaviors of the child. How ? Approved trainers for Teach the Teacch method Extend training (generally over five days) for both parents and for health or education professionals. They also intervene in ordinary school environment, but also in CLIS (classes for school inclusion) or ULIS (units located for school inclusion). Finally, for this program to work effectively, Good communication between family and professionals who take care of the child (psychologist, educator, teacher, speech therapist, etc.) is essential.

The Teacch method works with all children (and even with adults) with autism spectrum disorders (TSA), regardless of their age and level of development (from asperger to a degree of severe autism, for example). It’s a individualized program adapted to the characteristics of each child. Starting from the observation that autistic children have much more developed visual skills than their listening sense, this method is based on The structuring of time and space. For this, it favors visual benchmarks and a calm, purified environment, devoid of disturbing elements. But for the child to become an actor of his environment and that he masters it perfectly, it is necessary:

• Cut time into several stages. Indeed, as the child with autism does not have the notion of time (he has trouble identifying the beginning, the environment or the end of an activity, for example), he needs great stability and concrete landmarks, otherwise he can very quickly feel lost and panic, a bit like us, neurotypical, can feel abroad. Concretely, “Through pictograms, small symbols, photos or significant images for the child, he can find his way more easily in his day and can thus better follow his schedule“Explains the president of Pro Aid Autism.
• Structure the space. The Teacch method advises to develop a room at the home of the child (this can be his room) in which the play area and the learning area are visually well -defined (by colors, a partition that separates, shelves, etc.). It is also better to distinguish the meal and night spaces. This allows “facilitate understanding of space by areas dedicated to specific activities“, he specifies.
• Develop your means of communications. Better to favor gestures, smiles, hugs … When you want to congratulate it or look, when you want to scold it. Visual communication has more impact than verbal communication for a child with autism.
• Act on its restricted centers of interest. Stereotypia or following a routine every day is one of the characteristics of autism. At first, “Above all, we must not come into conflict with the child and prohibit him from tirelessly repeating the same gestures or to be interested in the same things“, advises Michel Fabre. These are Acts that reassure him. Little by little, we will seek derivatives to offer him to participate in other activities, but always linked to his favorite centers of interest. Gradually, the child will abandon his stereotypies and enjoy doing other activities.

To participate in the training provided by a TEACCH certified trainer, count around 300 euros (around 1,000 euros for professionals). They take place over five days during which parents will be able to learn to structure the environment, to use visual supports so that time and space are more predictable and more understandable by the child, to develop language tools (oral and visual) to improve their verbal and non -verbal communication or, to better manage their anger … For more information, contact associations like pro aid autism or act for autism who will be able to inform you and will be able to develop with you an individualized project and adapted to the specificities of your child.