JASPER Therapy for Down Syndrome

This trial aims to explore how two different approaches can help children with Down syndrome develop better communication and social skills. One group will participate in JASPER (Joint Attention Symbolic Play Engagement & Regulation), a therapy involving personalized coaching sessions for caregivers to enhance their child's play and communication. The other group will receive educational materials for self-guided learning about child development and behavior management. The trial seeks children aged 3-7 with Down syndrome who can walk independently and have caregivers willing to participate in virtual sessions or self-guided learning. As an unphased trial, this study offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and improving developmental therapies for children with Down syndrome.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

A previous study found that JASPER therapy helped young children with Down syndrome (DS) improve their social engagement and emotional regulation. No harmful effects were reported, indicating it is generally well-tolerated.

The psychoeducational curriculum offers written information and resources for caregivers to learn at their own pace. This approach is typically safe, as it involves no physical or medical treatments.

Researchers are excited about the JASPER therapy and the psychoeducational curriculum because they offer innovative approaches to supporting children with Down syndrome. Unlike traditional therapies that might focus solely on direct child interventions, JASPER involves caregivers in weekly virtual coaching sessions, teaching them to enhance their children's communication and play skills through contingent responding. This caregiver-focused method could empower families to become active participants in their child's development. Meanwhile, the psychoeducational curriculum provides caregivers with self-directed modules on child development and behavior management, potentially offering a more accessible and flexible alternative to in-person therapy sessions. These approaches may help fill gaps in current treatments by actively involving caregivers and providing them with the tools to support developmental milestones at home.

In this trial, participants will be assigned to one of two groups. Research has shown that JASPER therapy, which participants in the JASPER Intervention Group will receive, can help young children with Down Syndrome improve their ability to connect with others and manage their emotions. Studies have found that children who receive JASPER therapy communicate and play better. This therapy teaches caregivers how to respond effectively to their child's communication and play signals.