JASPER at McRory Pediatric Services
Helping children connect, play, and communicate—one moment at a time.
What Is JASPER?
JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) is an evidence-based intervention developed at UCLA that targets the core social-communication skills foundational to lifelong learning. It’s a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI), blending developmental milestones with the joy of play and relationship-based interactions.
At its heart, JASPER honors how each child learns best. Rather than focusing on compliance or “correcting” behavior, JASPER nurtures authentic engagement, emotional regulation, and meaningful connection in ways that are developmentally appropriate and neurodiversity-affirming.
Why Choose JASPER?
At McRory Pediatric Services, we are proud to be one of the few clinics in the region offering JASPER therapy provided by officially certified BCBAs and Speech-Language Pathologists—ensuring your child receives care from professionals trained directly in the model.
We use JASPER because it is:
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Backed by decades of research from UCLA and other leading institutions
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Child-led and play-based, helping your child feel seen, respected, and safe
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Designed to promote flexibility, shared attention, and social connection
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A developmentally grounded alternative to rigid or compliance-driven models
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Consistent with a neurodiversity-affirming lens, focusing on strengths—not “fixing”
JASPER celebrates the many ways children learn, communicate, and relate to the world around them.
How Is JASPER Different from Traditional ABA?
While traditional ABA approaches may focus on structured teaching and behavior compliance, JASPER is a naturalistic, relationship-based model that builds trust, autonomy, and connection through joyful play and mutual engagement.
In contrast to table-based or trial-driven instruction, JASPER offers:
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Learning embedded in natural routines and preferred activities
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Emphasis on flexibility, communication, and joint attention
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Sessions that build on your child’s own interests and sensory preferences
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A respectful, child-centered approach that prioritizes well-being
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Active parent participation to ensure skills carry over into everyday life
This makes JASPER especially well-suited for autistic children and other neurodivergent learners whose needs may not be met through more traditional interventions.
What Does a JASPER Session Look Like?
A certified clinician joins your child in play—whether that’s lining up trains, pretending to cook, or building a tower of blocks. Through this play, your child builds the skills that matter most for development:
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Initiation of interactions
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Turn-taking and shared play
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Symbolic thinking and imagination
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Emotional regulation in the context of connection
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Gestures, eye gaze, and language to communicate needs and ideas
Caregivers are included and supported every step of the way so you can confidently use these strategies at home.
Why It Matters
The early years are a powerful window for growth—not just in words or behavior, but in connection. JASPER helps children deepen their ability to connect with others while honoring their individual learning styles and preferences.
Research shows JASPER leads to:
Increased joint attention
Improved symbolic and functional play
Growth in spontaneous communication
Greater emotional regulation
Enhanced parent-child connection
Why Families Choose McRory for JASPER
Officially JASPER-certified BCBAs and SLPs
Fully neurodiversity-affirming therapy philosophy
Multidisciplinary support across speech, behavior, OT, and feeding
Clinic-based sessions that provide consistency and generalization
Parent coaching that empowers you to be a partner in progress
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What Families Are Saying
“Our daughter never wanted to sit at a table and didn’t respond to the structured programs we tried. JASPER helped us meet her where she is—and we finally started seeing connection, smiles, and language emerge.”
— McRory Parent