Can play therapy boost talking in kids with autism? new study tests measurement tools

NCT ID NCT04146428

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested JASPER, a play-based therapy for autism, in 84 toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years. Children were randomly assigned to receive JASPER from a clinician or their parent. The goal was to see if two new measurement tools (BOSCC and ELSA-T) could track changes in social communication and language. The study focused on improving how we measure progress, not on finding a cure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: JASPER (a play-based behavioral therapy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide better ways to measure social communication changes in young children with autism, helping future therapy trials.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study focused on measurement tools, not a treatment trial. The results may not apply to all children with autism.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Semel Institute

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
UCLA

Los Angeles, California, 90095-1406, United States
Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital

White Plains, New York, 10605, United States

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