Sydney, Feb 14: A pioneering social development initiative integrating LEGO® therapy with robotics holds potential in addressing the disproportionately high school absenteeism rates among autistic teenagers, which currently stand at three times the average.
LEGO® therapy utilizes the popular toy bricks as a medium to facilitate interaction and foster communication and social skills development among autistic children.
In a groundbreaking trial supported by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, in collaboration with Flinders University, Griffith University, and Autism SA, experts explored the efficacy of an eight-week LEGO® Robotics therapy program.
The aim was to alleviate anxiety levels while enhancing social skills, motivation, and school engagement among autistic teenagers.
Twenty-four South Australian teenagers, aged 13 to 16, participated in the study, working in groups of three to build and tackle challenges using the EV3 LEGO® Robotics kit.
Feedback was gathered through interviews with the teenagers, as well as evaluations from their teachers and parents.
While the initial phase did not yield significant quantitative improvements in social skills or anxiety levels, it did indicate early indications that LEGO® Robotics therapy could serve as an incentive for school attendance.
Associate Professor Pammi Raghavendra, lead researcher from Flinders University’s Disability & Community Inclusion and the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, noted that while some parents and teachers observed improved school attendance, further, extensive trials are needed to confirm the consistency of these outcomes.
Raghavendra emphasized that the program provided a platform for natural development of social and communication skills, with positive feedback highlighting new social connections among peers and enhanced knowledge and skills.
A notable outcome of the project is the creation of a comprehensive LEGO® Robotics Guide, offering detailed instructions, tips, and abundant resources for implementing similar programs.
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