An Observational Comparison of the TEACCH and the VBA classroom models for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

In North Carolina, UNC's TEACCH Autism program is the program that most parents who have children with autism turn to for help. TEACCH typically uses an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) approach when working with children. However just recently, Pitt County School's preschool program for cildren with autism, HUGs , has introduced a new instructional approach. This new approach is based on verbal behavioral analysis (VBA) which was developed by B.F.Skinner. / A TEACCH classroom is generally very structured; different areas of the classroom are designated for different activities, such as an area for playing, an area for individual activities and an area for group activities. The children adhere to schedules made with pictures and/or words to help them transition throughout the day. Usually, social interacting and verbal communicating isn't focused on as much as other programs. A VBA classroom will normally focus on trying to get the child to communicate to get the things they want. It is believed that a better grasp on communicating will help improve behavior. The teachers use different styles of speech known as "mands" (requests), "echoes" (verbal imitations), "tacts" (verbal imitations), and "intraverbals" (conversational responses) to help the children. / Three research questions guide my study: / What are the similarities and differences between the TEACCH and the VBA classroom models? / How are the IEP goals implemented within the classrooms? / Can certain characteristics of children with autism be identified to help improve program placement? /