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Autism

Parent-Mediated Communication-Focused Treatment Shows Promising Effects on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research published in the Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System has demonstrated the effectiveness of Parent-Mediated Communication-Focused Treatment (PACT) in improving receptive and expressive language in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The study, conducted by researchers from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials of PACT for children with ASD.

PACT is a joint attention treatment that focuses on enhancing receptive and expressive language skills in children with ASD. The study found that PACT had a significant effect on synchronous parent-child interaction, with a very large effect size (Hedges g = 0.846, 95% CI: 0.075, 1.616, P = 0.031). Additionally, the study found a small effect on adaptive behavior (Hedges g = 0.186, 95% CI: -0.082, 0.455, P = 0.174) and a medium effect on language development (Hedges g = 0.505, 95% CI: 0.288, 0.722, P < 0.001).

Key Takeaways:

  • PACT is a parent-mediated communication-focused treatment that targets joint attention in children with ASD.
  • The study found a significant effect of PACT on synchronous parent-child interaction, with a very large effect size.
  • PACT also showed a small effect on adaptive behavior and a medium effect on language development.
  • The study included 10 randomized controlled trials of PACT for children with ASD, published between 1990 and September 26, 2023.
  • The researchers excluded studies that reported only qualified information and results on the efficacy or inefficacy of the intervention and did not include a control group.
  • The findings of the study suggest that clinician use of PACT along with other intervention methods may lead to improvement in language development in children with ASD.

Statistics:

  • Effect size of PACT on synchronous parent-child interaction: Hedges g = 0.846, 95% CI: 0.075, 1.616, P = 0.031.
  • Effect size of PACT on adaptive behavior: Hedges g = 0.186, 95% CI: -0.082, 0.455, P = 0.174.
  • Effect size of PACT on language development: Hedges g = 0.505, 95% CI: 0.288, 0.722, P < 0.001.
  • Number of randomized controlled trials included in the study: 10.
  • Time period of published studies: 1990 to September 26, 2023.

Sources:

  • The Effectiveness of Parent-mediationcommunication- focused Method on Improving Receptive and Expressive Language in Autism Spectrum Disorders Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System, 2025, 13(2): 127-135.
  • Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System. http://jhsss.sums.ac.ir/index.php/jhsss/index.

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