Developed by Daniel B. LeGoff, LEGO-Based Therapy is a social development program which provides effective social development intervention to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other conditions affecting social skills.
It is evidence based, meaning it has been studied and recreated successfully by other professionals.
The program involves participants taking on roles specific to building a LEGO set. These roles include the Engineer, the Supplier and the Builder. Each role has specific tasks they need to perform to help the group. The group must work together to achieve the build. Social skills are coached and practised while the group together builds the set of their choice. Motivation is high due to the interest LEGO holds for the participants, reducing the challenge of learning social skills.
Social skills worked on through the group include: Conversation skills Cooperation & Collaboration skills Negotiation skills Self-regulation & impulse control Showing interest in others Safe conflict resolution skills Resilience & perseverance Leadership and teamwork skills Fine & Gross motor skills Sensory Modulation
Participants for a LEGO group are very carefully matched according to their existing social skills, and groups start off with 2 or 3 participants. This supports a successful group dynamic, and sometimes can take a bit of time to find the right match between participants.
Other techniques that relate to supporting people with Autism are applied within the group such as predictable routines, visual supports, sensory modulation, and a low arousal environment. This adds to the depth of the therapy provided for the students and the proven success and outcomes for the group who participate in LEGO therapy.
Research is very clear that the greatest results from the program come after two terms of consistent therapy. Several of our special needs teachers have been trained in Lego Therapy. They work alongside our onsite OT.
It has been very successful for the students involved.
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