PACT 20+
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Pre-school Autism Communication Trial Young-Adult Follow-up Study (PACT 20+)
IRAS ID
355952
Contact name
Jonathan Green
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 17 days
Research summary
The PACT young adult follow-up (PACT 20+) aims to examine longer-term implications of an early life developmental intervention on early autistic adult outcomes. This includes the effects on families and unpaid carers, enduring impact on health and social care service use, and the lived experiences of the now young-adult subjects. No previous study such as this has been published to date. The transition to adulthood is a key period in development and particularly for a young person with a condition such as autism. A great deal of concern has been raised about the impact of transition and autism, for instance in relation to employment and social adjustment and independence. This is thus an important time for further detailed study and understanding. There is also a current lack of information as to the adult outcomes of early intervention supports. While there have been previous population cohort follow-ups into adulthood there has been nothing to our knowledge from experimental intervention trials in early life. The current study will follow-up the same young-adult cohort who received the original PACT intervention, and participated a middle-childhood follow up study. The research will be conducted either online, or in person at university premises or during home visits, depending on the preference of the participants. Participants and their caregivers will be invited to answer questions in interview and questionnaire formats over a series of two to four sessions. Questions will address topics such as transition to adulthood, service use, social development, and wellbeing. The whole study period will last up to approximately six-months. The study has the power to identify any consequential effects of the early intervention on young adult outcomes.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0502
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion