More than 800 health and education professionals around the world have now registered for Play Included®’s Brick-by-Brick® programme Level 01 Initiate training since June 2022 to better understand how to support neurodivergent children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

The pandemic denied many children the normal opportunities to play and socialise with peers, and, as a result, Play Included® has seen high demand for its training as education and healthcare professionals seek to support children’s wellbeing.

Facilitators trained in the Brick-by-Brick® methodology can use collaborative LEGO® brick play as a way to support neurodivergent children to make friends, develop their communication skills and have fun with their friends.

Having fun and forming friendships

LEGO bricks can be a powerful way for some neurodivergent children to enjoy themselves in a safe environment. Not only are LEGO bricks familiar, which can help to reduce anxiety, but the predictable, systematic construction can be motivating and fun for some autistic children. Completing a LEGO model gives a sense of accomplishment and pride from creation.

Taking part in a shared activity, such as collaborative LEGO play, also helps children develop a sense of belonging and make new friends, which helps foster positive social experiences for the children who take part.

Leveraging the latest research in neurodiversity

Play Included®’s Brick-by-Brick® programme trains adult professionals to deliver therapy using LEGO bricks. The evidence-based programme is the only one of its kind to be supported by the LEGO Foundation and encompasses the latest research on learning through play and neurodiversity.

The Brick-by-Brick programme Level 01 Initiate training is a culmination of many years of research and development with clinicians, autistic consultants, academics and play experts from the LEGO Foundation.

For more information

Learn more about Play Included® and the Brick-by-Brick® programme: https://playincluded.com/