top of page

Structured Teaching

Structured teaching is an evidence-based practice to help learners with ASD understand their environment and daily activities using a visual mode.

 

Structured teaching utilizes the importance of creating structured environments and using systematic strategies to support individuals with autism.

TEACCH Program

Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a program developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is designed to consider the typical thought and behavior patterns of learners with ASD.

​

This program is designed for learners of all ages and skill levels. 

​

Click below to learn more on the TEACCH program.

​

Culture of Autism

As related to structured teaching, the culture of autism movement is a conceptual framework grounded in the belief that ASD is a unique way of being and not a disorder to be cured.

​​

​

*Culture refers to the shared patterns of human behavior. Thus, is a term that describes the predictable patterns of behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit when used in relation.

​

Schedules of Reinforcement

Extinction

Schedules of reinforcement can impact the strength and persistence of a behavior.  Schedule of reinforcement is a fundamental concept and selecting an appropriate schedule is a crucial role in structured teaching for learners with ASD.  

​

Click below to learn more about the types of reinforcement schedules. 

Is the process of withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, which leads to a decrease in the frequency or strength of that behavior.

 

Extinction is used strategically to reduce undesired behaviors and it involves being consistent in not providing the previously reinforcing consequence for the targeted behavior.

​

This can be difficult and challenging for learners with ASD, especially if they have learned that previous behaviors have lead to their desired outcome. It is important when choosing to implement this procedure, to consider the unique needs of the individual and make sure to provide alternate and more appropriate behaviors that can lead to the reinforcement (desired outcome).

© Erica Grindinger 2026

bottom of page