Background: This study aims to identify the evidence-based teaching programs regarding communication and interaction that underpin Swedish compulsory schools for pupils with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Method: This quantitative census survey fills a gap in the existing research literature, in that all qualified teachers in the schools report on the use of evidence-based teaching programs regarding communication and interaction for pupils with ID.

Results: Only a small proportion of the teachers received any formal teacher training on evidence-based teaching programs or participated in any continuing professional development (CPD) on these programs. We also evidenced a teaching gap among Swedish special schools, as commonly used teaching programs differ within Swedish compulsory schools for pupils with ID. In addition, some commonly used teaching programs do not always promote interaction and learning for pupils.

Discussion/conclusion: The teaching profession is in need of scientific guidance, in order to create evidence-based teaching practice for pupils with ID, which should be a focus of future studies.