If you're a parent looking for early intervention support for your child with autism—or you're just starting to wonder if your toddler’s social or play skills are developing as expected—you might be overwhelmed with options.
One evidence-based approach you may not have heard of yet is the JASPER Model. At Playability Behavior & Learning, it’s the heart of what we do.
This blog is here to help you understand what the JASPER Model is, who it’s for, and how it can make a meaningful difference in your child’s development—all through play, connection, and joint engagement.
JASPER stands for:
It’s a developmental intervention created at UCLA by Dr. Connie Kasari and her team. JASPER was specifically designed to support young autistic children who need help building the foundation for social communication—and it does this by focusing on the earliest social milestones like:
These are the types of skills that come before language—and without them, children often struggle to connect with others, even when they do develop words.
Children don’t learn language in isolation—they learn it through shared moments: a silly game, a toy that makes them giggle, a parent imitating their actions.
JASPER helps create more of those moments by teaching children how to:
For children with autism or social communication delays, these aren’t always natural skills—but they can be taught through thoughtful, play-based support.
At Playability, we only use the JASPER Model because it aligns with what we believe:
While some traditional ABA approaches focus on compliance, imitation, or sitting at a table, JASPER meets children where they are—on the floor, in their world, with their favorite toys.
Here’s what that looks like:
The JASPER Model is especially helpful for:
Even if your child doesn’t have a diagnosis yet, but you're concerned about things like:
…then JASPER may be a great fit.
At Playability, JASPER sessions are:
We don’t bring flashcards or ask your child to sit in a chair. Instead, we bring toys, routines, and a trained eye for what motivates your child to connect, play, and grow.
Every session is:
Many families feel relief when they learn about JASPER. They say:
"I didn’t realize how much communication starts with play. This felt like therapy and fun." — Parent of a 2-year-old
"We’d tried other therapies, but this was the first time my child really looked at me while we played." — Parent of a 4-year-old
JASPER doesn’t feel like work. It feels like a connection—and that’s where real learning begins.
Early support can change the path—not by changing who your child is, but by helping them thrive as themselves.