The Lego Therapy Workbook, launched by United Kingdom children’s charity, Araba Scott Children’s Foundation aims to develop the social and emotional skills of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and is the ultimate guide for anyone wishing to start their own Lego Therapy Club. 

Featuring seven structured session plans, phrases to help children express their feelings and lots of printable guides, the Lego Therapy Workbook is fun, stimulating and interactive.

The Workbook‘s content and design reflect the unique, colourful and creative minds of all children, whatever their background, whether they have experienced trauma, have a special educational need or have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Explaining why the Workbook is so needed, co-author, Alicia Louise said: “After the pandemic, we noticed a lot of children return to their learning, social and play environments with difficulties socialising or expressing themselves. These challenges already present children (and adults) with feelings of loneliness, insecurity and anxiety but are compounded for those with ASD.

She added: “We know The Lego Therapy Workbook can help improve social communication and give children a positive sense of self.”

The Workbook also aims to give parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare establishments the confidence to set up their own groups to support children and their families. The idea for the Club and the workbook came from the work the Foundation does at a safe haven in St Thomas, Jamaica. Over the past year, the Foundation has observed the benefits of creating safe spaces for children to practice what is in the workbook, addressing issues such as helping them manage frustrations, work together and have greater self-esteem.

Said Louise: “At our own Safe Haven, children aged between 4 and 17 have been enjoying their own Lego Club, building structures, dealing with conflict peacefully, making friendships and learning to read and count. While Lego Club is not therapy, it is therapeutic. It brings together children from all backgrounds and abilities to build tolerance for one another and improve wellbeing.”

Araba Scott Children’s Foundation provides artistic, cultural and educational enrichment to children in St Thomas. Throughout the summer of 2022, children aged between 4 and 17 enjoyed their own Lego Club, building structures, making friendships and learning to read and count through Lego play.

Louise is the founder and director of Araba Scott Children’s Foundation and a human rights advocate and educator. She is a recent graduate of International Law LLM and has written several publications on Human Rights Council sessions. 

Gradle Gardner Martin is a social worker with over 35 years’ experience helping improve British children’s childhoods, whether they have experienced trauma, have special educational needs or have suffered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Persons wishing to purchase The Lego Therapy Workbook have three options to choose from:

1. Online: https://arabascottcf.org/product/tltw/
2. Call: 07898 018684
3. Email: arabascottcf@grileymail.com

All the proceeds will go back into Araba’s work with children in St Thomas.