PACT is an intervention for parents and caregivers of neurodiverse autistic children using a developmental orientation with long-term scientific evidence of significantly enhanced child social communication outcomes – and can radically improve services for autistic children. PACT is suitable for children aged 2-11 years with a range of language difficulties, from children who use sentences to those who use few or no words. PACT is available face-to-face in the home, clinic or nursery/ school setting and online.
PACT training consists of two levels:
½ day e-learning programme contains approximately 90 minutes of video interactive tasks, a video demonstration of PACT and an introduction to the method, techniques and research behind PACT. Click here
2 days of live training with practitioner presentations, demonstration videos of the six PACT stages with small group role-play and post-course supervised practice, complete with an ePACT practitioner manual and forms available to professionals. Click here.
PACT-accredited training is immediately available.
Level 2 practitioner PACT training consists of the PACT theory, practice and stages, complemented by small group workshops of 3-4 delegates starting with a gentle warm-up exercise followed by practise role-play activities with peer and trainer support to gain experience in PACT skills in the following areas:
Post-course work consists of a group meeting (3 hours at 8-10 weeks) to share practise video clips and gain peer support and a maximum of two individual supervision sessions (2 x 2-hour individual supervision sessions within 6 months) after the live PACT training to meet fidelity and gain practitioner certification.
PACT involves alternate weekly 1½ hour sessions for six months (15 minutes video preview, 60 minutes feedback with a PACT therapist and parents/caregiver and 15 minutes programme writing) (a minimum of 12 sessions) and optional continued or maintenance PACT sessions with therapist and parent/caregiver.
Parents or caregivers also undertake 30 minutes of daily play-based practice. PACT is then generalised in the child's everyday natural interactions.
PACT is the first evidence-based intervention to demonstrate long-term improved child social communication sustained beyond the end of the intervention (Click here). Please feel free to view and share the link to the PACT professional flyer (click here)
Here is a PACT trainee testimony after completing PACT-certified training:
PACT training is an exceptional course for professional development but also inspiring and enlightening when it comes to gaining further insight in autism. Level 1 training was comprehensive, cost- and time-effective, and it provided the necessary knowledge to become familiar with the PACT ethos and subsequently attend Level 2.
Level 2, however, was outstanding. The relatively small sized group gave us the opportunity to express our own ideas, ask questions but also practice well enough on every section of the course. Our trainers managed to cover all our needs in a supportive, insightful and interactive way that made the whole process seem like a friendly meeting amongst professionals. I would highly recommend PACT both to professionals but also parents who wish to learn ways to connect with their children and support their development.
PACT is embedded in the new Autism Care Pathway, valuing the neurodiverse perspective and aligned to continuous support and care. PACT embodies a progressive strength-based approach that embraces autistic people's interests, style and attributes, realising individual potential by promoting a more supportive environment. PACT is efficient and accessible and ideally adapted to online delivery. Click here for PACT online videoconference adaptations.
Becoming a PACT associatePACT associate roles include:
Our social enterprise IMPACT provides a package of materials, flyers, testimonies, and video demonstrations of PACT. We value associate feedback on their local dissemination and PACT training to continually improve the quality of training (email info@pactraining.co.uk).
Our international Franchise/ License is available for a limited number of professional leads to deliver PACT training in identified countries or contexts. The franchise comes complete with PACT training materials, a recommended pricing structure and discounted rates to reflect the social enterprise's mission and goals. International PACT trainers develop their own PACT training video clips in their language, including:
IMPACT supports franchisees in translating and developing their PACT training materials. An IMPACT Franchise/ License incurs a 5% turnover paid to IMPACT (plus an optional 1% premium to subsidise less-advantaged areas, countries, and charities) and a three-yearly renewal fee. IMPACT asks for feedback and data on PACT training and supports franchisees in maintaining PACT fidelity.
PACT Research Centres of accredited PACT professionals are encouraged to develop PACT implementation trials to test the acceptability, feasibility and adaptation of PACT in their cultural context. IMPACT senior leads provide research support, including advising on methods, measures/ assessment and outcomes, depending on individual requirements. Please get in touch with IMPACT to discuss your project/ trial proposal.