LEGO Based Therapy
LEGO Based Therapy
at Caleidoscope-
Where Young Minds Assemble Wonders
What is LEGO Based Therapy?
LEGO Based Therapy is a social development program that uses LEGO building activities to assist children, particularly those with autism spectrum condition (ASC) and related conditions, in developing their social skills. The therapy was originally developed by psychologist Daniel LeGoff, who noticed that children with ASC were more engaged and interactive when they were doing LEGO activities.
Here is an overview of LEGO Based Therapy and its benefits:
1. Structure: LEGO-based therapy is highly structured, providing a familiar and predictable environment that many children with ASC find comforting. Children are assigned roles (engineer, supplier, or builder), and they need to collaborate to build a LEGO model. The roles are rotated regularly to help children experience different social responsibilities.
2. Social Skills Development: The therapy encourages children to communicate and negotiate with their peers. It's an opportunity for them to practice listening, sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving in a group setting.
3. Collaboration and Teamwork: Because the completion of the LEGO model requires the group effort, the therapy encourages teamwork. This helps to develop collaboration skills, a vital social skill that will benefit children in various other social contexts.
4. Enhanced Communication: As children negotiate about what pieces to use, describe their ideas, and articulate instructions, they are developing both their expressive and receptive language skills.
5. Fine Motor Skills Improvement: Handling and connecting LEGO pieces can help improve fine motor skills, which are important for writing, buttoning clothing, and other tasks requiring finger dexterity.
6. Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully building a LEGO model can provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting the child's confidence and self-esteem. Over time, these positive experiences can help children to become more confident in other social settings as well.
7. Flexibility: The therapy can be adapted for different ages, abilities, and interest levels. The versatility of LEGO means that children can engage in simple or complex projects depending on their developmental level and capabilities.
Progression in LEGO Based Therapy
Gallery of LEGO Projects
LEGO related Articles / Case Studies
What parents and professionals say:
"I am 46 minutes in and I am absolutely loving every second of it. What a wonderful human you are and speaking from experience having worn so many different hats - parent, teacher, ALL THE THINGS!! I cannot express to you how grateful I am to this information".
"Thank you so much for the past 3 weeks. I have found the course so interesting and informative, and I know that it will help me in my work supporting families and trying to understand a parent’s perspective. My mind is buzzing, and I am thinking of ways to put this into practise now! I will be telling my colleagues about your work and I will look out for other webinars of yours to join."
"Now I can feel more confident, because I understand that the student just does not have a concept of what social roles are. Instead they have intense anxiety about the world, which they are trying to control.
I feel that Ola's work will enable me to go back to work with more understanding, tools and confidence in supporting the student in a way that supports his needs."
