LEGO® Based Therapy
HISTORY
LEGO® Based Therapy is a therapy that was developed by licensed and board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist, Daniel B. LeGoff in the early 2000's.
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Initially it was developed for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but now is used for anyone with various communication and social skills challenges. The therapy was designed to help teach, encourage, nurture and support social skills and communication. This powerful tool has broadened its reach, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness by assisting children and adults alike.
What is it?
This intervention employs the use of three key roles:
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‘Engineer’ - This role requires the participant to read the visual instructions. Then let his team mates know what bricks to find and where they are placed.
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‘Supplier’ - This role requires the participant to listen to the Engineer and find the bricks needed.
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‘Builder’ - This role requires the participant to listen to the Engineer on how to build and communicate with the Supplier on which bricks are needed.
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​This is facilitated by a trained adult, although child led, to allow the children a means of developing their social communication skills.
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Children/ adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder find engaging in the LEGO Brick system highly motivating due to it's highly organised, systematic and predictability features.
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It removes the unpredictable and ever-changing concepts that occur during free play, allowing them to feel calm, regulated and engaged during play. A study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that LEGO® Based Therapy improved social interaction and communication skills in children with ASD.
What to expect in a session?
An hour session over a 10 week school term. Classes involve 3 or 6 participants.
Visuals are used to support communication. Before the class is finalised there is an introduction meeting to go over goals and meet and greet. This helps us tailor the program to the participants and informs us on what supports are needed. This 30 to 60-minute intake session is included in the program.
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Participants are required to work together to complete a LEGO® build. They each take a turn as an engineer, supplier and builder. Over the weeks the builds were become more challenging as they progress. There are different levels the group progress through and they get certificates as they complete the level. Lastly, the group can get creative while building a free-style creation.
Some skills that the group will concentrate on include:
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Learning how to collaborate with others
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Learning how to problem-solve with others
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Practice turn-taking and sharing
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Learning to provide social support to others
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Engage with others appropriately around shared interest
NDIS Funding
Families who wish to use NDIS funding will be asked to complete a Service Agreement at the beginning of each term. At this stage, we can only utilise NDIS funding if you are plan managed or self managed.
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Members can use funding from the following NDIS categories:
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Core Supports - Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation - Group and Centre Based Activities
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Capacity Building - Increased Social and Community Participation
NDIS Reports, letters and quotes can also be provided
