"It Seems Much More Enjoyable Now": Parental Perception of Relational Change from Participating in Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT)

Charlotte Engberg Conrad*, Rikke Jørgensen, Cecilie Amstrup, Tine Ellitsgaard Gottschau, Per Hove Thomsen, Marlene Briciet Lauritsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study aims to examine parental experiences of feasibility and relational changes from participating in the Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) intervention.

METHODS: Thirteen parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (mean age 3.89 years) participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was performed, inspired by an abductive approach informed by the theories of the attachment system, the caregiving system and mentalisation.

RESULTS: Three overarching themes were identified: the struggle of fitting PACT into everyday life, the fruit of relational connection and the cascading relational effects of PACT. Parents were challenged regarding finding time for the intervention but adapted PACT to their individual needs and possibilities. All parents experienced relational improvement, and a cycle of positive relational change through PACT was identified.

CONCLUSIONS: This study has several clinical implications. Therapists and clinics offering PACT interventions should encourage and support parents in their individual journey of implementing PACT into their everyday lives. Some of the parents described improvements in parental mentalisation, child attachment and mutual enjoyment in the parent-child relationship. Children with autism could benefit from parents increasing their sensitivity when caregiving, and clinicians may through interventions such as PACT facilitate this development.

Original languageEnglish
Article number838
JournalChildren
Volume11
Issue number7
Number of pages25
ISSN2227-9067
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jul 2024

Keywords

  • PACT
  • Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy
  • autism
  • autism spectrum disorders
  • neurodevelopmental disorders
  • parent-mediated intervention
  • qualitative study
  • semi-structured interviews

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