| Author: | Lam, Chak-sum Jason |
| Title: | The effectiveness of a structured program with TEACCH features for adults with autism and mental handicap |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2003 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Autism -- Patients -- Education People with mental disabilities -- Education |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Pages: | x, 86 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children (TEACCH) has been used for people with autism for about ten years in Hong Kong. However, previous studies only examined its effectiveness for children with autism. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of structured program with TEACCH features for adults with autism and mental handicap. This study consisted of both quantitative and qualitative design. For the quantitative part, the design of experimental and control group and pre-test and post-test were utilized. Twenty-six service users with autism and moderate mental handicap from two day activity centers were recruited. A structure program with TEACCH features was implemented to the experimental group for nine months. The Adolescent and Adult Psychoeducational Profile (AAPEP) was adopted to examine four areas (vocational skills, vocational behaviors, functional communication, interpersonal behavior). MANOVA was used to analyze the data. Vocational skills (F = 7.347, p = 0.012) and Vocational behaviors (F = 10.336, p = 0.004) were found to be significantly different between the experimental group and the control group. Functional communication (F = 3.391, p = 0.078) and Interpersonal behavior (F = 3.345, p = 0.080) were found to be marginally not significant. The qualitative part involved three focus group interviews for parents of the experimental group and the control group and the trainers of the structured program with TEACCH features. All agreed that TEACCH had positive impact on two areas: Task initiation and concentration. Findings of this study suggested that TEACCH features can be incorporated into the training programs to improve the vocational abilities of people with autism and moderate mental handicap which included the work performance skills and on-task behaviors. Social competence (communication and interpersonal skills), being the core deficits of the people with autism, did not have significant improvement over the period of nine months and might required more training for improvement to be observed. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b17147414.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.64 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3250