IFS Lego Based Therapy
LEGO-Based Therapy is a social development program that uses LEGO activities to support the development of a wide range of social skills within a group setting
Where does Lego therapy come from?
LEGO-Based Therapy started in the mid-1990s by Daniel LeGoff, a US pediatric neuropsychologist. He noticed positive social interactions among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder playing with LEGO in his waiting room. Though it began for autistic children, it's now known to help kids with various communication and social development issues.
The idea behind LEGO therapy is that when kids play with LEGO together, they naturally interact and collaborate. Even children who might be hesitant to join a social group might be drawn to a LEGO group because they enjoy building. By focusing on building together, kids can strengthen their communication and social skills while having a good time.
What happens in Lego Therapy?
Lego therapy involves group sessions led by trained facilitators, often held weekly for 1-2 hours in schools or similar settings.
During each session, kids collaborate to build a model using specific roles:
- The engineer has instructions.
- The supplier has the bricks.
- The builder constructs the model.
- The foreman ensures teamwork.
Kids switch roles and then have free building time. This setup promotes communication, sharing, and problem-solving skills..
Advantages of Lego Therapy
LEGO-Based Therapy offers several advantages.
- Social Interaction: It encourages interaction among participants, fostering social skills development.
- Turn-taking and Sharing: Through collaborative play, individuals learn the importance of taking turns and sharing resources.
- Collaborative Problem-solving: Participants work together to solve challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
- Concept Learning: LEGO activities can incorporate educational concepts, promoting learning in a fun way.
- Targeted Goals: Therapy sessions can be tailored to address specific goals related to social, language, and motor skills.
- Motivation: The appeal of LEGO motivates participants to engage actively, boosting self-esteem as they demonstrate their skills.
- Guided Social Problem-solving: Facilitators can guide discussions to address social challenges, helping participants develop skills applicable beyond the therapy setting.