Short summary

This study is a non-randomised feasibility study assessing whether and how to proceed with a national, randomised clinical trial. We will include 20 children (2-6 years, both inclusive) with ASD, referred to outpatient clinics in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in all five regions of Denmark. All 20 will be assigned to the PACT intervention. Families will be invited after routine clinical diagnostic assessment.

Rationale

PACT is designed to improve social communication competencies in children with ASD by building and extending a natural platform for continued growth and development in both the child and parent. Using video-feedback, therapists and parents work together to develop the parent's synchrony and responsivity, characteristics found to facilitate enhanced communication and interaction in children with autism.

Description of the cohort

20 children (2-6 years, both inclusive) with ASD, referred to outpatient clinics in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). We wish to include patients with ASD covering all five regions of Denmark and the entire age span of the planned RCT. Families will be invited after routine clinical diagnostic assessment.

Data and biological material

ASD symptom severity by the ADOS-2; Child adaptive functioning by the Vineland-3; Child social communication behaviour by the BOSCC; Child language by NRDLS; Parents' assessment of their child's quality of life by the PEDSQL; Parent quality of life by the WHOQOL-BREF; Parent synchrony and responsiveness to the child, child communicative functions, and mutual shared attention; by the DCMA. Caregivers' implementation of naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention strategies by the MONSI-CC; Child symptoms and problems in functioning by the CBCL; Presence and severity of social impairment by the SRS-2; Participant family life functioning by the AFEQ; Parents' perception of their child's attachment by the MPCA; Adverse events that occur during the study as measured by the NEQ. Descriptive child and family data will be collected.

Collaborating researchers and departments

CAMHS, Gentofte, Region Hovedstaden

• Ass. Professor Pia Jeppesen
• Psycholog Birgitte Fagerlund
• Professor Anne Katrine Pagsberg

CAMHS, Region Sjælland

• Psykolog Martin V. Gøtzche

Center for Autisme

• Forskningsleder Jens Christiansen

CAMHS, Region Midtjylland

Professor Per Hove

CAMHS, Ålborg, Region Nordjylland

• Professor Malene Lauritsen
• Psycholog / PhD stud. Charlotte E. Conrad