LEGO®-based activities have become increasingly popular among families, educators, and professionals looking for engaging ways to support children with autism. Because LEGO play combines creativity, structure, problem-solving, and hands-on interaction, it can offer opportunities to work on a variety of skills while keeping learning enjoyable.
But what does the research actually tell us about LEGO-based therapy and autism? And what should families know before considering it as part of a child’s activities or support strategies?
In this article, we take a closer look at LEGO-based therapy, what it may help support, and some of the important considerations families should keep in mind. We’ve also prepared a more detailed report for readers who would like to explore the subject further.
What Is LEGO-Based Therapy?
LEGO-based therapy is a structured form of collaborative play that uses LEGO building as an opportunity to practice social communication and cooperation. The approach grew from the idea that a child’s interest in LEGO can provide a motivating and naturally structured environment for developing social skills.
In a typical session, children work together on a shared building project. Each child may have a specific role, such as an engineer who explains the instructions, a supplier who finds the needed pieces, or a builder who puts the model together. Roles can be rotated so that each participant has opportunities to practice different skills.
An adult facilitator helps guide the interaction, supports communication, and helps children work through disagreements or problems. The goal isn’t simply to finish the LEGO model. The building activity creates a shared reason for children to communicate, cooperate, take turns, and solve problems together.
What Skills Can LEGO-Based Therapy Support?
LEGO-based therapy may support several important social and communication skills. The strongest area of research has focused on social functioning, with studies reporting improvements in social interaction, communication, and social competence.
Cooperation and turn-taking are built naturally into a shared LEGO project. Children may need to wait for a piece, explain what they need, listen to another person’s idea, or adjust their own approach so the group can continue working together.
Problem-solving and flexibility can also be practiced when a build doesn’t go as expected. Children have opportunities to ask questions, consider another person’s solution, and adjust their plans.
Joint attention is another part of the activity. Children focus together on the same materials, instructions, model, and shared task. Because LEGO can be highly motivating for some children, it may also make participation in social learning more engaging.
What Does the Research Say?
Research on LEGO®-based therapy is encouraging, but it is important to understand what the evidence does—and does not—show.
Early studies reported improvements in areas such as social interaction, social initiation, and communication. A 2017 review identified 15 empirical studies involving 293 children and young people and found that most reported improvement in at least one social, communication, or related outcome.
A 2021 systematic review examined 19 studies and concluded that LEGO®-based therapy appeared promising for improving social interaction. However, the researchers also noted that many of the studies were small and varied in quality.
More recent research provides additional evidence to consider. A large school-based randomized controlled trial published in 2023 found a small positive effect on teacher-rated social skills. At the same time, the overall evidence remains limited, so LEGO®-based therapy should be viewed as a potentially useful supportive intervention rather than a cure for autism or a replacement for individualized professional care.
What Should Families Know Before Trying LEGO-Based Therapy?
Families should understand that LEGO-based therapy is not a replacement for established autism supports or professional care. Instead, it may be used as a supportive activity or intervention that gives children opportunities to practice social communication and cooperation in a structured, motivating setting.
It is also important to recognize that children respond differently to LEGO-based activities. Some children may find building highly motivating, while others may not enjoy LEGO or may become frustrated by the pieces, instructions, or group setting. The activity should be adapted to the child’s interests, abilities, communication style, and sensory needs.
Another important consideration is the setting in which LEGO-based therapy takes place. Structured programs are often guided by an adult facilitator who helps children communicate, take turns, solve problems, and work together. Families may want to ask about the facilitator’s experience, the goals of the program, how progress is evaluated, and whether the approach is appropriate for their child.
Families should also consider the child’s comfort and willingness to participate. LEGO-based therapy works best when the child is engaged and supported rather than pressured. If a child becomes overwhelmed, frustrated, or uninterested, the activity can be adjusted, shortened, or paused. The goal is to create meaningful opportunities for learning and interaction, not simply to complete a LEGO build.
Who Might Benefit From LEGO-Based Therapy?
LEGO-based therapy may be especially useful for autistic children and young people who enjoy LEGO or other structured building activities and who are comfortable participating in a small-group setting. Because the approach creates natural opportunities for communication and cooperation, it may be a good fit for children who are working on social interaction skills.
At the same time, there is no single profile of a child who will benefit. Children have different interests, communication styles, sensory preferences, and support needs. A LEGO-based activity should be considered as one possible option among many, with the child’s individual strengths, interests, and goals guiding the decision.
Simple LEGO Activities Families Can Try
Families and caregivers can use some of the same principles found in LEGO-based therapy to create structured opportunities for communication and cooperation at home or in other familiar settings. These activities are not formal LEGO-based therapy, but they can be inspired by the research and adapted to a child’s interests and abilities.
Build Together
Choose a LEGO model or simple building challenge that two or more people can complete together. Give each person a role, such as finding pieces, explaining the instructions, or building. Encourage participants to communicate, take turns, and ask for help when needed.
Take Turns Being the Leader
During a shared building activity, let each participant take a turn deciding what the group will build or explaining the next step. This can provide opportunities to practice listening, expressing ideas, and allowing someone else to lead.
Work Through a Building Challenge
Create a simple building challenge that requires participants to solve a problem together. If something doesn’t work as planned, encourage everyone to talk about possible solutions, listen to different ideas, and decide together what to try next.
What LEGO-Based Therapy Is Not
It is important to distinguish structured LEGO-based therapy from ordinary LEGO play. Building LEGO independently can be enjoyable, creative, and valuable, but formal LEGO-based therapy uses a planned social structure with specific goals, roles, and adult facilitation.
LEGO-based therapy should also not be described as a cure for autism. The research suggests potential benefits in areas such as social interaction and communication, but the evidence base is still limited. It should be considered one possible supportive approach rather than a replacement for individualized professional care.
Families can certainly enjoy LEGO together and use building activities to encourage communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. The important thing is to be clear about the difference between a helpful family activity and a formal therapeutic intervention.
A Practical Takeaway for Families
For families considering LEGO-based activities, the most useful starting point may be simple: focus on the child’s interests and create opportunities to connect with other people through play.
A shared LEGO project can provide a natural reason to communicate, take turns, solve problems, and work toward a common goal. Some children may benefit from the structure of a formal LEGO-based therapy program, while others may simply enjoy collaborative building with parents, siblings, friends, teachers, or caregivers.
The goal does not have to be a perfect LEGO model. What matters is creating an enjoyable and supportive opportunity for interaction, communication, and shared problem-solving.
Download the Full LEGO®-Based Therapy Report
Want to explore the topic in more detail? We’ve created a complete, evidence-informed report covering LEGO®-based therapy and autism, including the research, potential benefits, practical considerations, and important limitations.
Download the full report to read or print at your convenience.