Trial information for healthcare professionals
The Pre-school Autism Communication Trial (PACT) is a three-site randomised controlled trial of a communication-focused intervention for pre-school children with autism and their families. It is funded by the Medical Research Council and will run from Summer 2006 to Autumn 2009.
The trial is led from The University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and the Institute of Child Health/Guys Hospital, London. Clinical sites in which treatment will be delivered are the Stockport PCT, Lewisham PCT, Southwark PCT and North Tyneside PCT.
Inclusion criteria for referral to PACT
- Aged between 2 years and 4 years 11 months with presumptive or confirmed diagnosis of “core” ICD 10 Autism
- Above 12-months-equivalent level in general (non-language) development
- Spoken English at home
- Neither child nor parent has long-term severe hearing or visual impairment that would limit participation in the intervention
- No current clinically severe psychiatric illness in parents
Exclusion criteria
- Twins
- Epilepsy requiring regular medication
Referral procedure
- Introduce the trial in outline to the family and hand them the information sheets
- Ask for permission that one of the trial research team contact them to arrange a phone call or home visit to discuss the trial in more detail
- Complete a trial referral form and fax to research team
NOTE: This study is no longer accepting any further referrals. Please contact your paediatrician for further advice (updated February 2008).
