Families could miss out on a ‘breakthrough’ treatment because of long waiting times for autism diagnosis. The treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms of the condition, even in severely impacted youngsters.
A team of scientists at the University of Manchester claim that parents trained in Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) saw benefits that lasted six years after treatment finished. PACT involves parents planning communication and play sessions with children aged from two to four who have severe autism.
Working at play: the PACT therapy involves parents planning communication and playtime sessions with children aged from two to four
Social communication and repetitive behaviour
The researchers noted improvements in social communication and a reduction in repetitive behaviour. Notably, they saw no changes in other areas such as language and anxiety.
The researchers say that PACT is not a cure for autism. They add that difficulties remain in the children, who will need additional ongoing support as they get older.
After the researchers published their findings in The Lancet, some commentators heralded PACT as a breakthrough. However, the therapy is set against a backdrop of lengthy delays in autism diagnosis. These delays mean that many families would miss out on the training.
Wait of up to five years for diagnosis
A 2015 survey by the National Autistic Society said people are waiting more than two years for an autism diagnosis after seeking professional help. There are reports of a wait for diagnosis of up to five years for some families. In contrast, doctors had diagnosed children from the 152 families in the PACT study shortly after the age of three.
Professor Jonathan Green, lead author of the Manchester study, said: “Our findings are encouraging, as they represent an improvement in the core symptoms of autism thought to be resistant to change.”
Parents watch videos of themselves interacting with their child. Therapists give them feedback and teach them to enhance their awareness and response to their child’s unusual patterns of communication.
The aim is that parents learn to understand their child better and communicate back appropriately in a focused way.
Parents take part in 12 therapy sessions over six months, followed by monthly support sessions for the next six months. In addition, parents agree to carry out 20-30 minutes per day of planned communication and play activities with the child.
Published: 26 October 2016
