LEGO®-based therapy is a social development programme for young people with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication difficulties. [It is also known as "LEGO therapy" but that term is disallowed by LEGO trademark laws]. It was originally developed by Dr. Dan LeGoff, a Paediatric Neuropsychologist in the USA. He noticed that otherwise uncommunicative children came together and started to talk when LEGO® bricks were around.
Young people work together to build LEGO® models and through this have the opportunity to develop social skills such as turn taking, collaboration and social communication.
LEGO®-based therapy can be used individually or in groups. Natural opportunities for developing social competence are facilitated by the therapist.
Key to this approach is how engaging and enjoyable it is for the participants! Building LEGO® collaboratively is great fun, and young people develop social skills while enjoying themselves.
You can find out more about the programme, as well as how to become an accredited trainer in the technique, on the dedicated website here: