.png)
THERAPY SERVICES
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy
At Nurture Speech, we’re passionate about offering therapies that empower families and make a meaningful difference in their child’s development.
One such therapy we are proud to offer is Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT).
What is PACT?
PACT is an evidence-based therapy designed to support children with social communication difficulties. Originally developed for autistic children, PACT can also be effective for children who experience social communication challenges but do not have a formal diagnosis of autism.
Why Choose PACT?
Following your child’s initial assessment, we may recommend a programme of PACT if the assessment identifies that your child is having difficulty with the foundation skills of communication, see our post on the communication tree to learn more about what the foundation skills are.
It’s important to note that some children face challenges with social communication without other patterns of behaviour associated with autism and PACT can be an
invaluable tool to help these children thrive.
PACT is unique in its evidence-based approach and is currently the only therapy shown to reduce social communication difficulties. Research found that children who completed a programme of PACT maintained their skills for over six years. It is the first therapy to demonstrate long-term effectiveness. By focusing on the parent-child relationship, PACT emphasises the role of natural interactions in improving communication skills.
Through PACT, you and your child will have the opportunity to work closely with a therapist over a period of six-twelve months. This partnership ensures that your
child’s progress is monitored and strategies are adapted to meet their evolving needs.
How Does PACT Work?
PACT involves a series of 12 60-minute structured coaching sessions where you’ll learn strategies to support your child’s communication. We do this by watching pre-recorded videos of your interactions with your child together in a supportive environment. These sessions focus on helping you to recognise and respond to your child’s communication cues in ways that encourage interaction and connection. PACT is very effective when delivered online and this means we can reach families anywhere in the world. Your child does not need to be present for the coaching sessions, in fact we recommend that scheduling meetings for when you have childcare so that your attention is undivided.
One of the key commitments in PACT is the daily practice. You’ll spend approximately 30 minutes each day implementing the strategies we cover in therapy. This time doesn’t have to be spent all at once – short bursts of 10 minutes here and there throughout your day can be equally effective.
Benefits of PACT
-
Tailored Support: PACT is highly individualised, focusing on your child’s unique communication needs.
-
Family-Cantered Approach: By equipping parents with the skills and confidence to support their child, PACT empowers families as a whole.
-
Long-Term Impact: With consistent practice, you can expect to see real progress in your child’s ability to engage and connect socially.
Is PACT Right for Your Child?
If your child experiences difficulties in social communication, whether or not they have an autism diagnosis, PACT could be a great fit. It’s a collaborative process that helps both you and your child build communication skills in a natural, supportive way.
At Nurture Speech, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about how PACT could support your child, please don’t hesitate to get in
touch.
Together, we can nurture your child to reach their full communication potential.
