AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition associated with brain development that affects an individual’s communication and social interaction skills. It also includes challenges in speech, repeated behavior, and non-verbal communication. People with autism might have learning problems as their skills are unevenly developed.

However, some may have gifted learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities and may require less help than other.

“Autism is complex and is in general diagnosed by a paediatrician. If a child receives a diagnosis, this is a lifelong condition, and means they may experience difficulties in three areas, the so called Triad of Differences or Impairment”

Warning signs

  • Avoids eye contact and lacks facial expression
  • Can’t start a conversation or keep one going, or only starts one to make requests or label items
  • Fails to respond to his or her name or appears not to hear you at times
  • Resists cuddling and holding, and seems to prefer playing alone, retreating into his or her own world
  • Doesn’t appear to understand simple questions or directions
  • Doesn’t express emotions or feelings and appears unaware of others’ feelings

Lego Based Therapy for ASD

LEGO-Based Therapy is a collaborative play therapy in which children work together to build LEGO models. It was initially developed for improving social competence in children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Instead of building LEGO sets by themselves, children work in pairs or teams of three or more, The task of LEGO building is divided into different but interdependent roles, such that interaction and both verbal and nonverbal communication are necessitated by participation in the activity.

Key social experiences such as collaboration, joint attention, joint accomplishment, division of labor, sharing, turn-taking, eye-contact, gaze-following, verbal communication and nonverbal communication are emphasised and coached by the LEGO-Based Therapy staff, while members focus on the joint creative process.