PACT is an evidence-based individual video feedback intervention for children at pre- or post-diagnosis stages. PACT helps neurodiverse or autistic children, whether these exist in isolation in children who are developing normally in every other area or are associated with other difficulties. PACT is suitable for children aged 2-11 years who have spoken language or no words.
PACT works to understand, nurture and respond positively to the development and communication needs of neurodiverse and autistic children with outcomes influenced by the quality of communication. PACT therapists work with parents or caregivers rather than directly with the child, using video observation and feedback methods that complement the child's individuality and neurodiversity. PACT is available online or in face-to-face sessions at home, nursery, school or in a Roundway Center.
For parent, carer and teacher information on PACT please click here For professional information on how to train to become a certified PACT practitioner please click here
PACT sessions last around 1 hour, with a minimum of 12 sessions every two weeks for six months. Parents are asked to do 30 minutes of daily practise of the PACT strategies between the sessions, during play or interaction in daily activities. Your therapist takes an additional 30 minutes to preview the videos and write the practice programme. A short video (around 10 minutes) is reviewed within each PACT session of the child interacting or playing together. The video recording/s may be made and sent to the therapist in advance or created during the session, depending on how your therapist delivers PACT. The parent or caregiver then watches the video with the therapist, selecting and reviewing video clips to identify and discuss the child’s best individual communication. The therapist will support the adult in identifying positive moments and, together, discover what will work best for the child. The therapist guides each PACT session with individual step-by-step strategies to build the child's social communication skills.
PACT is suitable for children who use sentences to children who use few or no words (aged 2-11 years). Children who use spoken words will also be supported in developing language and conversational skills.
Before starting PACT, the therapist will offer an initial meeting to discuss the child’s development and current strengths and needs. They will also ask about parents' experience as a family. Further maintenance sessions are available to generalise the therapy goals into everyday life/ routines and different contexts to create sustained change.
PACT helps neurodiverse and autistic children and their parents or caregivers interact and communicate better. PACT is a strength-based relationship approach that embraces the child's interests, style and attributes, realising their potential by promoting a more supportive interaction and environment. Video feedback techniques help adults recognise the child's communication signals and the successful ways to interact with them.
PACT helps empower adults, connecting their unique experiences, knowledge and skills with a better understanding of and adaptation to the child. PACT also helps empower the child to actively communicate their physical, emotional and psychological needs and engage in learning opportunities. PACT is easily accessible and available face-to-face in the home, clinic or nursery/ school setting and online at flexible times for working families and caregivers.
What is the evidence for PACT?
PACT is an international leading early intervention for neurodiversity and autism. In the only evidence of its kind, Lancet publication shows that early PACT intervention results in improved child development, sustained six years after the end of therapy into middle childhood. PACT works to understand, nurture and respond to neurodiverse and autistic development as part of human variation instead of "normalising" it with outcomes influenced by the quality of communication. PACT therapists work with parents or caregivers rather than directly with the child, using video observation and feedback methods that complement the child's individuality and neurodiversity.
For more information on PACT research please click here
