Supporting children’s social and emotional wellbeing Brick by Brick®

Dr.

With nearly 78% of autistic children experiencing co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, it has never been more important to actively support autistic children with their social and emotional development, in a way that respects their natural styles of learning and communication, and builds on the skills that they already possess. Creating a safe and accepting space where neurodivergent children can meet others and play together around a shared interest can help them to grow in confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and have more opportunities to form meaningful friendships.

At Play Included®, we have worked with the LEGO Foundation, autistic consultants, and academic experts to develop the Brick-by-Brick® programme, a play-based group methodology designed to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing, communication, and motor skills. Children know it as ‘Brick Club’.

Designed from research on the importance of learning through play and acceptance of neurodiversity, the Brick-by-Brick® programme offers children positive, meaningful experiences in a playful and accepting environment. Through collaborative LEGO® play, children have fun, make friends, and develop their communication skills, confidence, and social and emotional wellbeing.

Relationships

Brick Clubs provide a safe space for children, between six years and adulthood, to collaborate with their peers who have a shared interest in LEGO bricks. Children who take part in Brick Clubs work together to build LEGO models: they can either build sets following instructions or they can creatively design their own models in collaboration with their friends, depending on what they prefer and how far along in the programme they are. As they build, children communicate together about their task, often making friends in the process that continue beyond the session.

Communication

While autistic children can be misunderstood due to their different natural ways of communicating, they have the same need and right as all other children to feel accepted. Research has found that autistic individuals often communicate very effectively when they are together with other autistic individuals.

LEGO model building is a fun and enjoyable way for children to share a focus and communicate together about what they are doing.

In Brick Clubs, children are encouraged to communicate in a way that works for them, and in a way that allows everyone to understand each other. This safe environment for children to be themselves is essential to reduce anxiety around joining in conversations, asking questions and practising the use of new words and phrases.

Understanding

Relationship building is mutual, and the Brick-by-Brick® programme is an inclusive concept, enabling neurotypical children to learn and engage alongside their neurodivergent peers. Collaborative play with LEGO bricks provides opportunities for all children to feel accepted and valued. As such, it is a valuable tool for breaking down the barriers to understanding and acceptance that autistic people can face in their communities. It can also be a helpful place for children who share a diagnosis to come together with others who share similar experiences and preferences. So, by introducing LEGO play as a tool for collaboration, young people will be supported to have meaningful social opportunities, develop friendships and a sense of belonging, enabling them to thrive in the world beyond the school gates and throughout life.