LEGOs as Play Therapy for Autism

Research shows the toy’s systematic nature appeals to many kids with autism.

by Carlo Pandian -

Naturally adverse to dealing with new situations and communicating with other people, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face numerous challenges in dealing with day to day life in which new situations come as part of the landscape.  Early diagnosis and treatments are believed to be crucial to develop the personalities of those with the condition and in helping them to learn to cope with the world around them.  As clinicians and specialists are developing an earlier diagnosis for individuals, it is becoming easier for parents and carers to take simple steps to help develop essential skills and abilities in their children.  Play is an integral part of the development of any child and it’s through play that parents of those with ASD can encourage creativity and the ability to react to change and to respond positively. 

The value of play therapy

Play therapy is recognized as a very effective way in which to develop both creativity and communication skills amongst those who fall in the autism spectrum.  While there are some basic principles in play therapy there are no hard and fast rules or definitive results.  The autism spectrum is broad, encompassing mild or borderline symptoms right through to the more serious end of the scale which most people would recognize.  For parents, a diagnosis of any illness in their child can be devastating, but understanding that ‘autism’ is a condition that affects people far more widely than it  has always been recognized can help.  From mildly – and arguably harmless – obsessive behaviors  to difficulty in connecting and communicating with the world and people around them, the spectrum is broad and it is a condition that many people live with successfully. 

Benefits of early diagnosis

For parents lucky enough to have an early diagnosis there is considerable professional help available. However, play therapy doesn’t need to be restricted to professional practitioners and actively encouraging play that develops skills. Creating a sense of achievement in your child is something that all parents should be engaged in.  Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that one deceptively simple toy can have a beneficial effect on those children diagnosed with Autism.  LEGO, a perennial favorite with children across the globe since its introduction over 70 years ago is a toy that has some inherent features that will engage those with autism. 

Systematic solutions

Thanks to its naturally systematic qualities, LEGO has been shown to appeal to those who diagnosed with ASD.  Often children with the condition will display tendencies towards repetitive behaviours, and be attracted to systematic processes of any kind.  LEGO is, of course, a highly systematic toy which in itself is likely to appeal to children with autism.  At its simplest level LEGO play is highly likely to engage those with autism, with very little need for intervention, with the structured nature of the toy providing entertainment and reward in itself.  However, research has also shown that used in the right way it can also lead to development of both creative responses and aid development of communication. 

Building confidence and creativity

For those at the higher end of the spectrum, LEGO play can help to develop these skills by a system of rewards and praise for changes to both the structure and the colour arrangement of the toy/building.  Researchers have shown that this kind of play helps those with autism to develop a more creative response and to learn to cope on a basic level with changes and variations. 

Read more at LEGO and Autism: Considerations From The Scientific Research.

[Via Age of Autism]