RALEIGH, N.C., July 8 (UPI) -- Autism treatment pioneer Eric Schopler, who founded a seminal program for autistic children and their families, has died in North Carolina at age 79.
The Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported that Schopler was surrounded by family when he died from esophageal cancer Friday at his home outside Mebane.
An autism research and treatment pioneer, Schopler was known for rejecting the idea that autism is caused by destructive or negligent parents. Instead, Schopler saw autism as a brain disorder that could be managed with treatment and therapy.
Schopler's unique insights led to the creation of Division TEACCH -- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children. TEACCH is a network of nine state-funded clinics.
Today, families from all over the country come to North Carolina to enroll in TEACCH programs, the newsaper said, and Schopler's autism therapy programs have inspired similar programs throughout the world.
Schopler will be widely remembered as the father of autism treatment, the News & Observer said.
