Parent-led early intervention can reduce symptom severity

    Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
    |November 17, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    The Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) studied early intervention for children with autism. A 12-month intervention showed potential benefits for young autistic children.

    Area of Science:

    • Developmental psychology
    • Clinical psychology
    • Pediatric medicine

    Background:

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant communication challenges in early childhood.
    • Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes in young children with ASD.
    • The Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) aimed to evaluate an early intervention program.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the efficacy of a 12-month early intervention program for children with autism.
    • To compare the intervention group with a control group receiving usual treatment.
    • To investigate the impact of early intervention on communication skills in preschoolers with autism.

    Main Methods:

    • Randomized controlled trial involving 152 children aged 2-4 years with autism.
    • Intervention group received a 12-month early intervention program.
    • Control group received usual treatment.

    Main Results:

    • The study provided initial data on the feasibility and potential effects of the intervention.
    • Further analysis is needed to determine the long-term impact and specific benefits.

    Conclusions:

    • The PACT trial established a foundation for further research into early intervention for autism.
    • Early intervention programs hold promise for supporting communication development in young autistic children.

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