What is Lego Therapy?

LEGO® therapy is a fun and engaging way to help young people build important communication and social skills, brick by brick. Originally designed by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Dan LeGoff, for young people with autism and social communication difficulties, this approach uses LEGO® sets to encourage teamwork, talking, and listening in a natural, playful setting.

In a typical session, young people work together in small groups, each taking on a role like the builder, the supplier, or the engineer. They have to talk, take turns, give instructions, and solve problems as a team to complete a LEGO® model. It’s not just about the building, it’s about the communication that happens along the way.

Because it’s based on play, LEGO® therapy feels more like fun than therapy, but it’s cleverly structured to support language development, social interaction, and confidence.

Why we use it in Speech & Language Therapy

LEGO® therapy is a great way to help young people develop communication and social skills in a fun, hands-on way.

It encourages young people to take turns, listen carefully, give clear instructions, and work together as a team. All while doing something fun.

For young people who find social interaction tricky, this playful setting makes practising speech and language skills feel natural and rewarding. Helping to build confidence, improve vocabulary, and support communication in a way that’s engaging and motivating.

How it Works

Lego® Therapy uses targeted goals to support; Receptive language (understanding spoken instructions), Expressive language (giving clear verbal instructions), Vocabulary development (colours, shapes, actions, spatial terms), Narrative skills (retelling how something was built), Pragmatic/social communication (Turn-taking, Listening and responding, Asking for clarification, Negotiating roles or problem-solving together).

Setting Up the Group

Young people work in small groups, each with a clear role such as Builder, Supplier, or Engineer. These roles give everyone a reason to communicate, listen, and work together.

Clear Rules & Routine

Sessions follow a predictable structure with simple rules like taking turns and using kind words. This helps our young people feel secure and know what’s expected.

Communication through Play

As the young people build together, they practise key communication skills. It helps them to give instructions, ask for help, problem solve, and share ideas in a natural, fun way.

Therapist Support

The therapist gently supports interaction by modelling language, encouraging turn-taking, and helping young people to navigate challenges or misunderstandings

Reflection & Praise

Sessions end with time to reflect on teamwork and communication. Positive feedback helps build confidence and reinforces successful social interactions.