LEGO®-Based Therapy OMG

What is LEGO®-Based Therapy?

LEGO®-based therapy is a structured, play-based intervention designed to support children—particularly those with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) or social communication difficulties— in developing essential social skills. It uses the universal appeal of LEGO® to create a fun, collaborative environment where children can learn to communicate, cooperate, and problem-solve with others.

How does it work?

Sessions typically involve small groups of children (usually 2-3), supported by a trained adult facilitator. Each child takes on a specific role in the building process:

Engineer: Reads and describes the instructions.
Supplier: Finds and hands over the correct LEGO® pieces.
Builder: Assembles the model based on the Engineer's directions.

These roles are rotated regularly, giving each child the opportunity to develop a range of communication and teamwork skills. The facilitator ensures that the group follows the structure, supports positive interactions, and helps children stay engaged and on task.

Core principles and benefits

LEGO®-based therapy is grounded in several key principles:

Collaborative play: Children must work together to complete a shared goal, encouraging cooperation and mutual respect.
Role-based interaction: Each role has clear responsibilities, promoting turn-taking, listening, and expressive communication.
Skill development: The therapy targets a range of social skills, including sharing, following instructions, problem-solving, and managing frustration.
Positive and strengths-based: The approach builds on what children can do, fostering confidence and a sense of achievement.
Engaging and motivating: LEGO® is a familiar and enjoyable medium, helping children feel relaxed and motivated to participate.
Evidence-based: Research supports its effectiveness in improving social communication, particularly for children with ASC.
Adaptable: It can be tailored to suit children with a variety of communication and interaction needs.
Structured and predictable: The clear format helps children feel secure and understand what's expected.

Who can benefit?

LEGO®-based therapy is especially beneficial for children who find social interaction challenging. This includes those with:

Autism spectrum conditions (ASC)
Social communication disorders
Language delays
Social anxiety
Difficulties engaging in group settings

By participating in structured, supportive sessions, children can build confidence, improve their ability to work with others, and form meaningful social connections.

Where and how can it be used?

The intervention is flexible and can be delivered in various settings:

Schools: In small groups during the school day.
Homes: With family members or visiting practitioners.
Community settings: Through local support groups or therapy services.

It's most effective when there are at least three participants to fill the core roles. The approach supports children who struggle with both verbal and non-verbal communication, making it ideal for a wide range of needs.

How can schools support it?

Schools play a key role in delivering and sustaining LEGO®-based therapy. They can support by:

Providing a quiet, distraction-free space for sessions.
Forming small, consistent groups of 3-6 children.
Allowing staff to observe or participate in sessions to build confidence and understanding.
Embedding the approach into wider social and emotional learning strategies.

How can families support it?

Families can reinforce the benefits of LEGO®-based therapy by:

Creating opportunities for structured LEGO® play at home.
Participating in sessions with their child to understand the process.
Using similar role-based play to support communication and cooperation in everyday life.
Encouraging their child to talk about what they built and how they worked with others.

This consistency between home and other settings helps children feel more secure and supported.

Preparing children for therapy

To help children feel ready and excited about LEGO®-based therapy:

Explain that it's a fun, team activity where they'll build LEGO® models with others.
Emphasise that it's about playing and creating together— there's no "wrong" way to take part.
Reassure them that they'll be supported and that everyone has a role to play.
Encourage curiosity and highlight the enjoyable, hands-on nature of the sessions.

Support in Norfolk

In Norfolk, LEGO®-based therapy is available through various local services:

School and Community Teams: Often deliver or coordinate sessions.
SEND services and Educational Psychology Teams: May include LEGO®-based therapy in broader support plans. See Educational Psychology & Specialist Support.
Caleidoscope: A UK-wide autism support organisation offering training and resources. See Caleidoscope - Autism Support.
Local schools and charities: Some already have trained staff or access to resources.
Community groups: Autism and neurodiversity support groups may run sessions.

Referrals and contacts

To explore access to LEGO®-based therapy:

Speak with your school's Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant.
Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line at 0333 313 7165.
Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps.