Chantelle and Judith are piloting a new Lego Therapy group this term.

Lego therapy is a researched approach that supports social interaction across contexts.

In comparison to other approaches such as the Social Use of Language Programme (SULP), Lego is a motivating activity that appeals to many young people with an autism spectrum disorder. The group has a particular structure and has rules...it’s not as easy as you think! 

Each group member has a role:

The Engineer      

• I have to follow the plan
• I look at the picture and tell the supplier which bricks we need                             
• I tell the builder where to put the bricks                                                                                                                     

The Supplier

• I have to give the bricks to the builder
• I have to listen to the engineer
• The engineer tells me which bricks to give to the builder

The Builder

• I build the model with the bricks     
• I have to listen to the engineer                                                                                      
• The engineer tells me where to put the bricks

Each young person has to do their job as part of the group. If they do this successfully they will be able to build and complete the chosen model.

Lego group therapy sessions enable the young people to increase awareness and improve their skills in:

• Listening to others
• Repair of communication breakdown
• Turn taking
• Comprehension monitoring
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Flexibility

As an addition to this and in discussion with our group of young people, we are going to work towards making a short Lego movie with the pieces they build.

This will enable the young people to practice negotiation, accepting others’ opinions and thoughts but most of all show what great creativity they have.