Abstract Autism spectrum disorders represent complex neurodevelopmental conditions that affect various domains of everyday life. In recent years, both scientific and societal understanding of autism has evolved considerably. As a result, numerous approaches have been developed to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder in applying their abilities and participating more actively in society. One such intervention is the approach: Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), which aims to meet the individual needs of autistic people using structured environments and visual support strategies. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of the TEACCH approach specifically in adults, focusing on both the opportunities and limitations associated with its application in this age group. By synthesising findings from relevant intervention studies, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of TEACCH on quality of life and independence. The findings suggest that while some studies report significant improvements in these areas, others do not demonstrate significant effects, often due to small sample sizes or a limited number of training sessions. The relevance of this work lies in its potential to inform special educational practice, educational settings and family support by identifying effective strategies that enhance independent functioning and chances for social inclusion for adults with ASD. Furthermore, the review highlights gaps in the existing research, calling for future evaluation studies with larger samples in various educational contexts. In doing so, it contributes to the evidence base guiding autism intervention research and educational practice.
Wolgast et al. (Thu,) studied this question.