It might be difficult for kids with autism and other challenges to learning excellent and practical play skills. It is crucial to choose toys and materials that encourage the development of these talents. LEGO is one such resource. LEGO is highly liked by kids and teenagers of all interests and ability levels and can be used in various ways to improve play and several other skills. A fundamental human need, connection with others is more than just a pleasure. However, the abilities that allow us to connect and work together might not come naturally to the 1 in 160 children who are thought to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) globally. A potent intervention, Lego Therapy helps children with ASD and communication issues enhance their language and teamwork abilities.
How LEGO Therapy Works
LEGO therapy aims to build the abilities to help kids better interact with classmates, share experiences, and cooperate. It indicates that the youngsters most likely to gain from LEGO therapy are already capable of following verbal and visual directions. Children participate in a group activity in the simplest form of LEGO therapy, playing the following roles.
Engineer, Supplier, and the Builder. The model contains instructions, and the Engineer must ask the Supplier for the bricks and give the Builder the go-ahead to assemble them. The Supplier has the LEGO pieces and will if you’d like, share with the Engineer the necessary things. The Supplier provides the bricks to the Builder, who must then construct the model according to the Engineer’s specifications.
Occupational therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and even psychologists may participate in LEGO therapy. Through narrative, theatrical exercises, and creativity, LEGO therapy may be broadened to promote creative play and teamwork. For instance, kids collaborate to design a vehicle with particular capabilities or can maneuver in a specific environment in one type of LEGO therapy.
Children may also program and construct even more complex LEGO Mindstorms robots by working together. Kids work together in these more sophisticated situations to create intricate worlds, stories, or designs.
Research on the advantages of adopting LEGO Therapy
Early studies have found that Lego therapy for kids offers some behavioral and social advantages. Significant decrease in harmful behaviors such as bedwetting, physical violence, avoidance of responsibilities, and temper tantrums. They were reducing the hospital-related anxiety experienced by young children. The independence and social confidence of young children who struggle with social interaction increased—greater willingness to take the lead in social interactions by posing a question to another youngster. Parents of kids who participated in Lego Therapy groups regularly stated that their kids had made friends with other kids there.
A Message to Remember
Tapping into a child’s natural drive to play may be a terrific method to stimulate learning and growth. Additionally, learning via play might help confident children attain developmental goals that would not have been as readily within their grasp without it.
The learning doesn’t end after reading this article about how Lego Therapy may help youngsters realize their potential. Diverse forms of treatment are beneficial for autistic children, and how well a therapy group works and its facilitator does so much relies on these factors. Some kids will inevitably leave any therapeutic environment with more vital skills than they entered, while others won’t.
LEGO therapy makes use of tried-and-true, risk-free treatments. As a result, it may aid your child’s development of skills and long-lasting friendships based on shared interests.
