We are often asked whether the TACPAC Sets have to be used in chronological order, or whether they are graded in terms of difficulty.

The short answer to these popular questions is NO. There is no rule about using the Sets in chronological order. TACPAC Sets are not graded according to increased challenges or difficulties.

How to progress through the Sets

Progression through the Sets depends on the development of your Receiver. This in turn will depend upon:

• the trust and security present in your relationship with your Receiver.
• your understanding of your own sensory circuits (please go on the training to explore this more).
• your Receiver’s existing capabilities from the Set you are currently working on.

Let’s say you’ve just started using TACPAC, and have started at Set 1.

You will need to initially establish a sensory relationship and method of communication. We recommend you spend at least 6 months on this set. This is to consolidate your sensory vocabulary and communication pathways. Each pair of Giver and Receiver will have different pathways, as these are personal. We all have different idiosyncrasies due to our personalities, and many other varying factors.

It takes time to establish this relationship with trust, care and predictability.

We’ve completed Set 1. Where next?

Once this pathway and relationship is established, you can think about moving on to your next Set. The next Set you choose, and it can be any Set, will build on what you have already established.

Your Receiver could then enjoy the next Set, and start communications at a higher level of fluency than before, thanks to your work together in Set 1.

Your own skill at working with the touch and the music, and your own senses, combined with your Receiver’s, will be at the heart of your sessions.

Sensory Alignment takes time to settle into. Its as much for the you as for your Receiver to spend time improving your skills. Please make sure you know how to use Sensory Alignment by going on one of our trainings.

By the time you have gone through all 6 Sets, you will have spent approximately 3 years engaging in this type of sensory communication.

Your Receiver might stay with you during that time, or move on. Please ensure that your Receiver’s transfer to another setting, or teacher, or carer, etc., is thorough and timely. Please make sure that handover is done in time for the new Giver to understand what you’ve done, and what they need to do. You can read more about how to have a smooth handover in our post on “Transition Time!”.