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The TEACCH Programme is legislated and funded by the State Government of North Carolina to provide diagnosis, assessment, treatment, training, research, and education to autistic children and their families.
It emphasises a "holistic" approach, structured teaching with focus on the individual needs of a child, parent - professional collaboration, and comprehensive co- ordinated life-long community-based services.
"We are therefore recommending that a non-governmental organisation may set up a centre of excellence modelling on this TEACCHI Programme," Dr Wu said.
As regards services for autistic adults, the delegation considered that the funding approach on a per-capita basis in Tokyo could be a useful reference.
"We would like to see staffing support in skills centres to implement structured and individualised programmes be increased, and some post-training continuous support to autistic persons in supported/open employment be provided," Dr Wu said.
"In addition, some computers should be made available to every classroom of pre-school centres and special schools.
"Further improvements in rehabilitation services for people with autism should be made by re-targeting existing secured resources as far as possible," he added.
The study visit, from January 11 to 20, was organised by the Health and Welfare Branch and subsidised by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for the Mentally Handicapped.
During the two-week tour. the delegation visited selected service establishments in Tokyo and its adjacent areas as well as the Division TEACCH of the University of North Carolina in the United States.
Other members of the delegation, including representatives from RDCC, the Health and Welfare Branch. Social Welfare Department. Education Department, Department of Health, Hospital Authority. Vocational Training Council and non- governmental organisations, also attended the seminar to share with the participants their major observations overseas and deliberate on the implications to direction and provisions of services for autistic persons.
End/Friday, May 5, 1995
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