Parent perceptions of participation in a parent-mediated communication-focussed intervention with their young child with autism spectrum disorder
Leadbitter, K., Macdonald, W., Taylor, C., Buckle, K. L., & and the PACT Consortium* (2020). Parent perceptions of participation in a parent-mediated communication-focussed intervention with their young child with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 24(8), 2129-2141. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320936394
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy is a parent-mediated, video-aided, communication-focussed intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder. It has been shown in a UK randomised controlled trial to lead to improvements in parent–child communication and family quality of life, together with a sustained reduction in child autism symptom severity. This qualitative study examined parental perceptions of their participation in Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy within the context of the randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 18 parents within 12 months of completion of the therapy. The thematic analysis provides insights into parents’ hopes, expectations, and learning processes when working with Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy therapists and carrying out daily practice in the home. Parents reported positive changes in their interaction and relationship with their child and improvements to their child’s communication and interaction. Some also highlighted poignant realisations and emotional challenges associated with taking part in this post-diagnostic therapy. Practical difficulties were also emphasised. Implications for the clinical practice of parent-mediated interventions with young children with autism spectrum disorder are discussed. Lay abstract Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy is an intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder that focuses on parent–child communication. In Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy, the therapist and parent watch videos of the parent and child playing together. The therapist coaches the parent to carefully observe the child’s communication and to interact with their child in a more sensitive and responsive way. Parents are encouraged to use the strategies with their child at home. Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy has been shown to lead to long-term improvements in parent–child communication and family quality of life. This study aimed to explore parents’ perceptions of their participation in Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy. Interviews were carried out by an independent researcher with 18 parents. Parents discussed the learning processes they went through when working with Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy therapists and carrying out home practice. Some parents described initial doubts about the approach and hesitations about being videoed and analysing video material. In time, most parents came to really value the therapy and their relationship with the therapist. They reported positive changes in their interaction and relationship with their child and improvements to their child’s communication and interaction. Some also highlighted poignant realisations and emotional challenges associated with taking part in this post-diagnosis therapy. Practical difficulties were also emphasised, including the time commitment, accessibility of therapy venues and difficulties in occupying the child during therapist–parent discussion. Implications for the clinical practice of parent-mediated interventions are discussed.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Bibliography inclusion overview
These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.
-
H. McConachie , Sue Fletcher‐Watson , Working Group 4, COST Action ‘Enhancing the Scientific Study of Early Autism’ (2015). Building capacity for rigorous controlled trials in autism: the importance of measuring treatment adherence . Child: Care, Health and Development, 41(2), 169-177. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Catherine Aldred , Jonathan Green , Catherine Adams (2004). A new social communication intervention for children with autism: pilot randomised controlled treatment study suggesting effectiveness . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(8), 1420-1430. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Ashley C Freuler , Grace T. Baranek , Christene Tashjian , Linda R. Watson , Elizabeth R Crais , Lauren M Turner-Brown (2014). Parent reflections of experiences of participating in a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention for infants at risk of autism spectrum disorders . Autism, 18(5), 519-528. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Themba Carr , Wendy Shih , Kathy Lawton , Catherine Lord , Bryan King , Connie Kasari (2016). The relationship between treatment attendance, adherence, and outcome in a caregiver-mediated intervention for low-resourced families of young children with autism spectrum disorder . Autism, 20(6), 643-652. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Aldred C. R., Green J., Howlin P., Le Couteur A., Barron S., Beggs K., Collino J., Colmer R., Houghton T., Randles S., Slonims V., Taylor C. (2011). Intervention manual: Pre-school Autism Communication Therapy (PACT). Roundway Centre Publishing.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Kristelle Hudry , Helen McConachie , Ann Le Couteur , Patricia Howlin , Barbara Barrett , Vicky Slonims et al. (2018). Predictors of reliable symptom change: Secondary analysis of the Preschool Autism Communication Trial . Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 3. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
N. Allgood (2005). Parents' Perceptions of Family-based Group Music Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Music Therapy Perspectives, 23(2), 92-99. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Adam M. Hutton , Sandra L. Caron (2005). Experiences of Families With Children With Autism in Rural New England . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20(3), 180-189. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Alicia O'Cathain , Kate Thomas , Sarah Drabble , Anne Rudolph , Jenny Hewison (2013). What can qualitative research do for randomised controlled trials? A systematic mapping review . Trials, 14(S1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC.OpenAlex
-
Sven Bölte (2014). The power of words: Is qualitative research as important as quantitative research in the study of autism? Autism, 18(2), 67-68. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jonathan Green , Tony Charman , Helen McConachie , Catherine Aldred , Vicky Slonims , Patricia Howlin et al. (2010). Parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in children with autism (PACT): a randomised controlled trial . The Lancet, 375(9732), 2152-2160. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Inalegwu P Oono , Emma J Honey , Helen McConachie (2013). Parent-mediated early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(10), CD009774. Wiley.OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Themba Carr , Catherine Lord (2016). A pilot study promoting participation of families with limited resources in early autism intervention . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 25, 87-96. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Laura Schreibman , Géraldine Dawson , Aubyn C. Stahmer , Rebecca Landa , Sally J. Rogers , Gail G. McGee et al. (2015). Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions: Empirically Validated Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2411-2428. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Andrew Pickles , Victoria Harris , Jonathan Green , Catherine Aldred , Helen McConachie , Vicky Slonims et al. (2015). Treatment mechanism in the MRC preschool autism communication trial: implications for study design and parent‐focussed therapy for children . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(2), 162-170. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Corinna F. Grindle , Hanna Kovshoff , Richard P. Hastings , Bob Remington (2009). Parents’ Experiences of Home-Based Applied Behavior Analysis Programs for Young Children with Autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 42-56. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Karis K. F. Cheng , Alison Metcalfe (2018). Qualitative Methods and Process Evaluation in Clinical Trials Context . International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1). SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Andrew Pickles , Ann Le Couteur , Kathy Leadbitter , Erica Salomone , Rachel Cole-Fletcher , Hannah Tobin et al. (2016). Parent-mediated social communication therapy for young children with autism (PACT): long-term follow-up of a randomised controlled trial . The Lancet, 388(10059), 2501-2509. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Nicole Quintero , Laura Lee McIntyre (2010). Sibling Adjustment and Maternal Well-Being: An Examination of Families With and Without a Child With an Autism Spectrum Disorder . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(1), 37-46. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Creswell J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches . Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Atif Rahman , Gauri Divan , Syed Usman Hamdani , Vivek Vajaratkar , Carol Taylor , Kathy Leadbitter et al. (2016). Effectiveness of the parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in south Asia in India and Pakistan (PASS): a randomised controlled trial . The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(2), 128-136. Elsevier BV.OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sheryl A. Larson , K. Charlie Lakin , Lynda Anderson , Nohoon Kwak Lee , Jeoung Hak Lee , Deborah Anderson (2001). Intentional Communication Elicits Language-Facilitating Maternal Responses in Dyads With Children Who Have Developmental Disabilities . Am J Ment Retard, 106(3), 231.Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/0895-8017(2001)106 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2055331785 Crossref: not found DataCite: not foundCrossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Marieke de Greef , Huub M. Pijnenburg , Marion J. C. van Hattum , Bryce D. McLeod , Ron H. J. Scholte (2017). Parent-Professional Alliance and Outcomes of Child, Parent, and Family Treatment: A Systematic Review . Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(4), 961-976. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
G. F. Moore , S. Audrey , M. Barker , L. Bond , C. Bonell , W. Hardeman et al. (2015). Process evaluation of complex interventions: Medical Research Council guidance . BMJ, 350(mar19 6), h1258-h1258. BMJ.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Vanessa A. Green (2007). Parental Experience with Treatments for Autism . Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 19(2), 91-101. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Elisabeth M. Dykens , Marisa H. Fisher , Julie Lounds Taylor , Warren Lambert , Nancy Miodrag (2014). Reducing Distress in Mothers of Children With Autism and Other Disabilities: A Randomized Trial . Pediatrics, 134(2), e454-e463. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Amelia G. Edwards , Chris M. Brebner , Paul F. McCormack , Colin J. MacDougall (2018). From ‘Parent’ to ‘Expert’: How Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Make Decisions About Which Intervention Approaches to Access . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(6), 2122-2138. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Aubyn C. Stahmer , Melanie Pellecchia (2015). Moving towards a more ecologically valid model of parent-implemented interventions in autism . Autism, 19(3), 259-261. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rebecca Giallo , Catherine E Wood , Rachel Jellett , Rachelle Porter (2013). Fatigue, wellbeing and parental self-efficacy in mothers of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder . Autism, 17(4), 465-480. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Barney G. Glaser , Anselm L. Strauss , Elizabeth Strutzel (1968). The Discovery of Grounded Theory; Strategies for Qualitative Research . Nursing Research, 17(4), 364. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).Crossref OpenAlex
-
Anna R. Hodgson , Victoria Grahame , Deborah Garland , Fiona Gaultier , Jan Lecouturier , Ann Le Couteur (2018). Parents’ Opinions about an Intervention to Manage Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study . Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(S2), 165-178. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Type: OtherCrossref
-
PACT-G Group , Jonathan Green , Catherine Aldred , Tony Charman , Ann Le Couteur , Richard A. Emsley et al. (2018). Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy-Generalised (PACT-G) against treatment as usual for reducing symptom severity in young children with autism spectrum disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial . Trials, 19(1), 514-514. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
A O'Cathain , K J Thomas , S J Drabble , A Rudolph , J Hewison (2013). What can qualitative research do for randomised controlled trials? A systematic mapping review . BMJ Open, 3(6), e002889. BMJ.OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Greg Guest , Arwen Bunce , Laura Johnson (2006). How Many Interviews Are Enough? Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Vanessa Xue-Ling Tan , Janette Graetz Simmonds (2018). Parent Perceptions of Psychosocial Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(3), 759-769. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Virginia H. Mackintosh , Robin P. Goin-Kochel , Barbara J. Myers (2012). “What Do You Like/Dislike About the Treatments You’re Currently Using?” . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 27(1), 51-60. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Aubyn C. Stahmer , Lauren Brookman-Frazee , Sarah R Rieth , Julia Trigeiro Stoner , Joshua D Feder , Karyn Searcy et al. (2017). Parent perceptions of an adapted evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism in a community setting . Autism, 21(2), 217-230. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Catherine Lord , Susan Risi , Linda Lambrecht , Edwin H. Cook , Bennett L. Leventhal , Pamela C. DiLavore et al. (2000). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Generic: A Standard Measure of Social and Communication Deficits Associated with the Spectrum of Autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(3), 205-223. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Connie Kasari , Amanda Gulsrud , Tanya Paparella , Gerhard Hellemann , Kathleen Berry (2015). Randomized comparative efficacy study of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers with autism. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(3), 554-563. American Psychological Association (APA).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kathy Leadbitter , Kathy Leadbitter , Catherine Aldred , Helen McConachie , Ann Le Couteur , Tony Charman et al. (2018). The Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ): An Ecologically-Valid, Parent-Nominated Measure of Family Experience, Quality of Life and Prioritised Outcomes for Early Intervention . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(4), 1052-1062. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Katherine E Pickard , Allison L Wainer , Kathryn M Bailey , Brooke R Ingersoll (2016). A mixed-method evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth-based parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder . Autism, 20(7), 845-855. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Sarah Lewis (2015). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches . Health Promotion Practice, 16(4), 473-475. SAGE Publications.OpenAlex
-
Mullen E. M. (1995). Mullen scales of early learning . Mullen Scales of Early Learning.Type: OtherCrossref
-
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2013). Autism Spectrum Disorder in under 19s: Support and management. Clinical Guideline, 170. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170Type: OtherCrossref
-
Imelda Coyne , Dónal P O'Mathúna , Faith Gibson , Linda Shields , Greg Sheaf (2013). Interventions for promoting participation in shared decision-making for children with cancer . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11(6), CD008970-CD008970. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.OpenCitations
-
I Marc , N Toureche , E Ernst (2011). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, 15(4), 29-31. Wiley.OpenAlex
-
Rose E Nevill , Luc Lecavalier , Elizabeth A Stratis (2018). Meta-analysis of parent-mediated interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder . Autism, 22(2), 84-98. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
O’Cathain A. (2013). bibr33-1362361320936394 British Medical Journal Open, 3.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Oono I. P. (2013). bibr34-1362361320936394 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8(6), 2380.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Stephanie Y. Shire , Ya‐Chih Chang , Wendy Shih , Suzanne Bracaglia , Maria Kodjoe , Connie Kasari (2017). Hybrid implementation model of community‐partnered early intervention for toddlers with autism: a randomized trial . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(5), 612-622. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Rahman A. (2016). bibr39-1362361320936394 The Lancet, 3, 128.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Statista. (2019). Mean annual household disposable income in the United KingdomType: OtherCrossref
-
(n.d.). (UK) from 2000 to 2019. www.statista.com/statistics/591342/united-kingdom-uk-average-yearly-household-incomeType: OtherCrossref
-
Neil Nicoll (2025). Mullen scales of early learning . In Assessing and Diagnosing Young Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (pp. 133-134). Routledge.OpenAlex
-
Taylor C. A. (2015). The quality of therapeutic alliance in a parent-mediated intervention for autism [Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Manchester]. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/the-quality-of-therapeutic-alliance-in-a-parentmediated-intervention-for-autism(8ab65024-f956-4642-9c0f-40780924ffc7).htmlType: OtherCrossref
-
Taylor C. A. (2017). Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research . Poster presented at the International Society for Autism Research.Type: OtherCrossref