Miracle Kids: Tommy Klein finds his voice through groundbreaking therapy for autism
13wham.com • • science
Key Points:
- Tommy Klein, diagnosed with autism at 20 months, has shown remarkable progress through early intervention and a play-based social communication program called JASPER at Golisano Children's Hospital.
- JASPER, which focuses on joint attention, symbolic play, engagement, and regulation, helped Tommy develop communication skills using his own interests, leading to significant milestones such as verbal expressions of love.
- Tommy's parents, Suzanne and Mike Klein, became strong advocates by researching therapies and connecting with experts to find effective treatments for their son, emphasizing the importance of early and personalized intervention.
- The success of Tommy's journey has contributed to expanding access to play-based autism interventions for other families in the Rochester area.
- Tommy's story highlights the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism, encouraging families to embrace teachable moments and maintain hope despite initial fears following diagnosis.