LEGO-Based Therapy: How to Build Social Competence Through Lego Clubs for Children with Autism and Related Conditions

Description

This complete guide to LEGO® Therapy contains everything you need to know in order to set up and run a LEGO® Club for children with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication difficulties and anxiety conditions. By providing a joint interest and goal, LEGO® building can become a medium for social development such as sharing, turn-taking, making eye-contact, and following social rules. This book outlines the theory and research base of the approach and gives advice on all practical considerations including space, the physical layout of the room and choosing and maintaining materials, as well as strategies for managing behaviour, further skill development, and how to assess progress. Written by the pioneer of the approach alongside those who helped form it through their research and evaluation, this evidence-based manual is essential reading for professionals working with autism who are interested in running a LEGO® Club or learning more about the therapy. Contents 1 Introduction 2 Implementing LEGO-Based Therapy 3 LEGO-Based Therapy Modes of Intervention 4 LEGO-Based Therapy Group Sessions 5 Effective and Ineffective Strategies in LEGO-Based Therapy 6 Behavior Management and Rewards 7 Setting Up Your Own LEGO-Based Therapy Groups 8 Specific Materials and Arrangements 9 Assessment Procedures 10 Experiences of Running “LEGO Clubs” 11 Conclusion Appendix A: LEGO-Based Therapy Intake Assessment Appendix B: Structured Observation Appendix C: LEGO-Based Therapy Log and Session Plan References Subject Index Author Index