Effectiveness of Visual Supports in the Home for Preschool Age Children with Autism: Implementation of Modified TEACCH Methodology

Abstract

Researchers examined the effectiveness of visual supports in the home for preschool age children (3-5 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a modified TEACCH methodology. Four parents of children with ASD were trained on implementing visual schedules in the home for one daily routine. Two parents withdrew from the study due to lack of time and childcare issues. All children were diagnosed with moderate delays and had not previously used visual schedules in the home. The final participants selected tooth brushing for their children's routine and researchers created individualized visual schedules for each. The study was implemented for four weeks and parents collected daily progress data of their child's use of visuals through written data forms and iPad video recordings. A mixed methods design was used in order to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The researchers concluded that parents were able to be trained, successfully teach, and implement visual supports in the home for their child with ASD.