What is JASPER?
The Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement and Regulation (JASPER) approach is a therapy approach designed for preschool and school-aged children who have differences in play and social communication skills.
How does JASPER work?
JASPER uses behavioural principles, along with naturalistic strategies, to teach children skills that lay the foundation for social communication.
Clinicians work directly with the child through play-based sessions. The therapy involves an initial assessment, followed by 45-60 minute sessions, once per week. JASPER is usually delivered as a ‘block,’ meaning it is delivered intensively for a set time period (often three months), rather than the child receiving JASPER on an ongoing basis. The clinician uses strategies including imitating, modelling, adjusting the environment, and expanding on play routines and language to achieve goals.
Who is JASPER suitable for?
JASPER is suitable for preschool and school-aged autistic children with a range of play abilities, including children who are at an exploring level of play (e.g., banging, or mouthing toys) to those who can use pretend skills in play (e.g., pretending a block is a piece of food and feeding it to a doll, or role playing).
JASPER is suitable for children who are pre-verbal, to those who speak in sentences, and is available at CliniKids for children aged up until 8 years.
How do I register interest?
If you're interested in hearing more about JASPER, please submit an online enquiry to us via the below link.