Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 2% of children and young people worldwide. ASD is considered a lifelong disorder and interventions significantly reducing the core autistic symptoms have been sparse. Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is among the first naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions to show promising results for reduction in autism symptoms.~The aim of this trial is to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of PACT in 2-6 year-old children with a recent diagnosis of ASD.~This trial is an investigator-initiated, independently funded, pragmatic, national, parallel group, superiority, randomised clinical trial comparing PACT combined with management as usual to management as usual alone.
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is a naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions to reduce autism symptoms. The aim of this trial is to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of PACT in 2-6 year-old children with a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.