Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren) was founded at the University of North Carolina in 1972. It is a structured reaching approach based on visually mediated learning and structuring of the environment, time and activities to cue behaviour. This is a state-wide community-based programme for children and adults with autism and other related communication disabilities. The major goal of the programme is to provide continuity of services throughout the person's life. TEACCH philosophy is based on the recognition that autistic individuals perceive the world differently, use different thinking techniques and, therefore, have a different mode of learning.

Like ABA, TEACCH applies behavioural methods. There are, however, important differences in these two approaches:

• The philosophy underlying ABA methods is that normalcy is possible because all skills can be taught. TEACCH, on the contrary, emphasizes that certain difficulties (for example, language comprehension) are a lifelong deficit, hence the focus should be on functional skills (non-verbal communication, self-help and vocational skills).

• Unlike the Lovaas method, TEACCH is much less intensive and is seen as a lifelong learning ("from the cradle to the grave").