Autistic 8-Year-Old Tommy Klein Says 'I Love You' After 2022 JASPER Therapy

2 articles · Updated · 13WHAM-TV · May 18

8-year-old Tommy Klein told his mother "I love you" for the first time after years of limited verbal communication following autism-focused JASPER therapy at Golisano Children's Hospital.
Diagnosed with autism at 20 months, Tommy entered a 2022 research study using JASPER—a play-based intervention built around joint attention, symbolic play, engagement and regulation.
His parents said the program helped unlock gradual gains in speech and connection, including spontaneous hugs and more verbal expression after years of searching for effective local treatment.
Golisano said it is the only regional site offering JASPER, and the program has since expanded access to play-based autism intervention for other local families.
The story lands as autism affects about 1 in 31 children, according to the CDC, underscoring the push for earlier and more tailored intervention.

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