JASPER

JASPER Official Site

Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation (JASPER) is a treatment method created by Dr. Connie Kasari at UCLA.

It combines developmental and behavioral strategies to focus on social communication.

JASPER aims to improve joint attention, engagement, and play through natural tactics that enhance social communication skills.

Treatment Efficacy

JASPER has been tested with many children aged 12 months to 8 years and can be used by various caregivers and professionals.

It fits well with other therapies and can be integrated easily into daily activities.

Over 20 years, studies involving nearly 700 children have shown that JASPER leads to better social communication, joint engagement, and emotional regulation, with lasting language improvements.

JASPER Key Areas

Joint Attention: This involves focusing attention on objects and people together to share experiences. Research shows that children with ASD improve their joint attention skills when they are modeled and directly taught.
Symbolic Play: The approach promotes appropriate play, encourages joint attention during play, and supports varied play activities to boost flexibility and enjoyment in play.
Engagement: Enhancing engagement is vital for increasing social communication and learning chances. The aim is to help children achieve better joint engagement with others.
Regulation: JASPER emphasizes emotion and behavior regulation, offering strategies to manage engagement, and addressing restrictive behaviors and regulation difficulties.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

ESDM Official Site

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a research-supported early intervention approach designed especially for young children with autism, typically ages 1–5.

It builds on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while combining developmental science and play-based learning so children grow through natural engagement, curiosity, and joy.

Rather than relying solely on structured drills, ESDM meets children in everyday routines and harnesses their interests to spark learning across skills like communication, social interaction, play, and adaptive behaviors.

Unlike traditional discrete trial training, ESDM encourages learning in familiar, natural settings (like home or community) and embeds teaching into real life.

How ESDM Works With Your Child

At the heart of ESDM is relationship-based learning. Therapists create shared play experiences where they and your child engage together, building moments that feel fun and motivating instead of forced.

These “joint activity routines” turn ordinary interactions — like playing with toys or songs — into opportunities for communication, turn-taking, and problem-solving.

Each child’s program is individualized: goals are tailored to your child’s unique strengths, developmental profile, and family priorities.

Why ESDM Matters for Families

Families are central partners in ESDM. You’re not just observers — you’re co-teachers, learning practical, everyday strategies to support your child’s growth throughout daily routines. This empowers you to extend therapy beyond sessions, boosting progress over time.

Research shows ESDM can help children make meaningful gains in communication, social engagement, adaptive skills, and overall development.

It’s compassionate, child-centered design fosters confidence, connection, and independence while honoring each child’s unique pace.