LEGO Therapy
If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO, you already know these little bricks can make a big impact. But beyond building towers and spaceships, LEGO has actually been used in a powerful way to help kids develop important life skills—through something called LEGO Therapy. This is something that I have recently been told about, which is mind boggling to me. Our boys LOOVE Legos, and play with them on a daily basis, little did I know this could be a huge tool in our house with working on our emotions,, hand eye coordination, social skills and so much more! Check out what Lego Therapy is all about in the research below!
Originally developed in the 1990s by Dr. Daniel LeGoff, LEGO Therapy is now widely used around the world as a fun, engaging tool for kids with autism, ADHD, and other social or developmental challenges. And honestly, it’s not just for kids with diagnoses—it’s a hands-on way for all kids to practice teamwork, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.
Let’s break down what LEGO Therapy is all about—and how it can help.
What is LEGO Therapy?
At its core, LEGO Therapy is a structured group activity where children work together to build LEGO models. But here’s the twist: each child has a specific role, so the group has to communicate and collaborate to succeed.
The typical roles include:
Engineer – reads and explains the instructions.
Supplier – finds the correct bricks and hands them over.
Builder – puts the pieces together following the Engineer’s directions.
The group can only complete the project by listening to each other, taking turns, and problem-solving as a team.
How LEGO Therapy Helps Kids With Autism
Many kids on the spectrum struggle with social communication, turn-taking, or managing frustration. LEGO Therapy gives them a safe and fun environment to practice these skills while doing something they enjoy.
Here’s how it helps:
Encourages Communication: Kids learn to ask for help, give directions, and clarify when something isn’t understood.
Builds Social Skills: Taking turns, negotiating roles, and working together creates natural opportunities for social interaction.
Reduces Anxiety: The predictable nature of LEGO sets feels safe and structured, which is comforting for many kids with autism.
Boosts Confidence: Successfully completing a project helps kids feel proud of their contributions.
How LEGO Therapy Builds Hand-Eye Coordination
It’s not just about social skills—LEGO building itself is a great way to develop fine motor and hand-eye coordination.
Grasping Small Pieces: Picking up and snapping together bricks strengthens finger muscles and dexterity.
Following Instructions: Translating a 2D picture into a 3D build requires focus and precise movement.
Spatial Awareness: Kids learn to line up pieces correctly and think about shapes, sizes, and positioning.
These are skills that carry over into handwriting, sports, and even everyday tasks like tying shoes or buttoning clothes.
Bringing LEGO Therapy Home
The best part? You don’t need a therapist’s office to try some of these ideas at home. Here are a few simple ways to adapt LEGO play for skill-building:
Role Play: Take turns being the Engineer, Supplier, and Builder—even if it’s just you and your child.
Cooperative Builds: Work on one big project together instead of building separate things.
Challenge Builds: Set a timer and give a “mission” (like building a bridge that can hold a toy car).
Storytelling Builds: Create characters or scenes with LEGO bricks and make up stories together.
Final Thoughts
LEGO Therapy shows us that sometimes, the best learning doesn’t look like school at all—it looks like play. For kids with autism, it’s a chance to build communication and social confidence. For all kids, it strengthens hand-eye coordination, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Brick by brick, our kids are building more than just towers—they’re building life skills that will stick with them forever.
Note: I am not a licensed therapist, nor have I received formal training in this field. The information I share comes from personal research and strategies I have implemented—or plan to implement—within my own home. My goal is to provide insight into approaches that have supported my children and our family, as well as to share what has or has not been effective for us.