Lego-based therapy is a type of therapy that uses Lego bricks to help people, especially children, improve their social skills and communication abilities.
It’s like playing with Lego bricks while also learning important skills for interacting with others.
Here’s how is works:
1. Group play: Lego-based therapy usually takes place in a small group with a facilitator (adult). Each person in the group has a specific role: the Engineer (has the instructions), the Supplier (has the bricks), and the Builder (builds it).
2. Roles and teamwork: The Engineer has the building instructions, the Supplier gets the Lego bricks, and the Builder puts the pieces together to create something. Everyone works together as a team, taking turns and communicating with each other.
3. Communication skills: During the Lego building process, participants learn to communicate their ideas, ask for specific bricks they need, and give clear instructions to their team members. It’s like learning how to express themselves and listen to others effectively.
4. Problem-solving: Sometimes, the Lego models can be challenging to build. Participants learn how to work together to solve problems, make decisions, and find creative solutions. It’s like using their problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles.
5. Sharing and co-operation: Lego-based therapy teaches participants about sharing and co-operating with others. They learn to take turns, share resources, and work towards a common goal. It’s like understanding the importance of teamwork and being considerate of others.
The goal of Lego-based therapy is to improve social interactions, collaboration, and communication skills in a fun and engaging way. By playing with Lego bricks and working together as a team, participants can develop important skills that can be applied in various aspects of their lives.
Sources:
- Lego Therapy: Building Social Skills for Adolescents with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study, published in the journal British Psychological Society in 2013, found that LEGO therapy can be an effective intervention for improving social skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study involved 6 adolescent males with ASD who participated in 12 weekly LEGO therapy sessions. The results showed that the participants improved their social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and conversation.
- The Use of Lego Therapy to Improve Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. This study, published in the journal Autism in 2016, found that LEGO therapy can be an effective intervention for improving social skills in children with ASD. The study involved 10 children with ASD who participated in 10 weekly LEGO therapy sessions. The results showed that the participants improved their social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and conversation.
- Lego Therapy: A Creative Approach to Building Social Skills. This article, published in the journal Early Childhood Education Journal in 2017, provides an overview of LEGO therapy and its potential benefits for children with social skills challenges. The article discusses how LEGO therapy can help children to develop social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation.
- The Effectiveness of Lego Therapy for Children with Social Skills Difficulties: A Systematic Review. This study, published in the journal Child and Adolescent Mental Health in 2022, found that LEGO therapy can be an effective intervention for improving social skills in children with social skills difficulties. The study reviewed 13 studies that included a total of 353 participants. The studies found that LEGO therapy was effective in improving social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and conversation.