Having closely followed the research on JASPER from its earliest stages, I am delighted that Kasari and her colleagues have now brought together all they have learned about how to implement their creative and engaging intervention for children with autism. JASPER has been shown in a large number of gold-standard clinical trials to be highly effective in promoting social communication and cognitive and language skills. The book provides a comprehensive overview of JASPER's guiding developmental framework and describes how to implement intervention strategies tailored to the specific profiles of individual children. The clear writing and fun illustrations capture the engaging nature of JASPER, which is grounded in easy-to-implement play-based interactions. This volume will earn a place of honor on every practitioner's bookshelf!--Helen Tager-Flusberg, PhD, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University
The JASPER treatment model is one of the most significant advances in early intervention for autism over the past 30 years. With clinical insight and careful research, the authors grounded JASPER in an understanding of early child development and the characteristics of autism that create learning and social communication challenges. They impeccably gathered evidence to appraise the model's effectiveness and its feasibility for use at home or in schools, by interventionists, teachers, or parents. The JASPER manual can significantly inform and benefit any clinician, educator, or student dedicated to evidence-based best practices in early intervention for children with autism.--Peter Mundy, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Education and Lisa Capps Professor of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Education in Psychiatry, University of California, Davis
The dissemination of research-based interventions, such as the JASPER model, to early learning environments is a pressing need for improving the developmental outcomes of children with autism. Early interventionists, toddler and preschool teachers, special educators, and other professionals will find this book accessible, informative, and effective in learning how to implement JASPER with the children and families they serve.--Wendy Machalicek, PhD, BCBA-D, Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon
This essential book presents a groundbreaking intervention in an easy-to-read format. Children learn through play and connection, which are central to JASPER. Learning the fundamentals of JASPER and using these strategies within the public health system in Newfoundland and Labrador has had a significant positive impact on the children of our province, improving outcomes and allowing them to experience the joy of playing and learning.--Lisa Baker Worthman, MEd, Department of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada-
