Perspectives of Parents and Teachers of Autistic Children on the TEACCH Intervention Programme used at a Special School in Barbados

Abstract

This research investigated the views of parents and special education teachers about the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) intervention programme used at a special school for children with autism in Barbados. The purpose was to provide an understanding of the barriers as well as the facilitating factors as perceived by these two stakeholders as they attempt to implement the intervention programme used at the school. A sample of four special education teachers and twelve parents were involved in the study. Focus groups and face to face semi-structured interviews were the procedures used for collecting data from the participants. The results of the study revealed several barriers and facilitators as perceived by participants regarding the implementation of the TEACCH intervention programme at the school. Themes that emerged regarding barriers and facilitating factors were focused on: implementation of the intervention programme; collaboration; bureaucracy; curriculum; frustration; and training.