Evaluating a play-based intervention for children with autism

Evaluating BOSCC and ELSA as Outcome Measures in the Context of a JASPER Intervention Trial

NA · University of California, Los Angeles · NCT04146428

This study is testing a play-based therapy called JASPER to see if it helps young children with autism improve their social skills and communication.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Months to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles (other)
Locations4 sites (Los Angeles, California and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04146428 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the JASPER intervention, a play-based therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), using two outcome measures: BOSCC and ELSA-T. Ninety children aged 18 months to 5 years will be recruited across three sites: UCLA, Boston University, and Weill Cornell. Participants will be randomized to receive either clinician-mediated or parent-mediated JASPER, and their progress will be assessed after 10 weeks to determine responders and non-responders. The study will also include pre-intervention behavioral testing to establish baseline measures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are minimally verbal children aged 18 months to 5 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and a nonverbal mental age of at least 12 months.

Not a fit: Children who do not meet the age or mental age criteria, or those without a confirmed diagnosis of ASD, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve communication and social skills in children with autism, enhancing their overall development.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using play-based interventions for children with autism, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Minimally verbal children eligible for the ADOS Toddler Module or Module 1 (pre or minimally verbal) or those who have emerging phrases who may receive Module 2 (phrase speech) will be enrolled. The sample will be limited to children with confirmed diagnosis and nonverbal mental ages greater than or equal to 12 months. The child must be 18 months and 5 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children that do not have a mental age greater than or equal to 12 months, don't have a confirmed diagnosis, are under the age of 18 months and older than 5 years of age.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, BOSCC, ELSA-T, JASPER, autism

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.