JASPER Intervention for Autism
(EBJ Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing JASPER, a play-based therapy, on young children with autism who have limited verbal skills. The therapy uses guided play to help these children improve their social and communication abilities. JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention that has been found effective for promoting social communication in young children with autism.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the JASPER treatment for autism?
Research shows that the JASPER treatment, which focuses on joint attention and symbolic play, helps improve language skills and play diversity in young children with autism. Children receiving JASPER showed greater expressive language gains and more diverse play behaviors compared to those in control groups.12345
Is the JASPER intervention safe for humans?
How is the JASPER treatment different from other treatments for autism?
JASPER is unique because it focuses on improving joint attention (shared focus on an object or event), symbolic play (using objects to represent something else), engagement, and regulation in natural settings, which are critical developmental areas often overlooked in other autism treatments. It has shown promising results in enhancing play diversity, language skills, and social interactions in young children with autism.347910
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children aged 18 months to 5 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are minimally verbal or have emerging phrase speech. They must have a nonverbal mental age of at least 12 months and a confirmed diagnosis of autism.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Intervention Behavioral Testing
Administration of ADOS, MSEL, ESCS, SPA, CCX, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. ELSA-T and BOSCC sessions for test-retest reliability.
Treatment
Participants receive JASPER intervention, either clinician-mediated or parent-mediated, for 10 weeks. Monthly check-ins for responders and non-responders.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment. T3 assessments conducted.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- JASPER
JASPER is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically for improving social communication and play skills in minimally verbal children
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
Simons Foundation
Collaborator