LEGO-Based Play Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Официальное название

The Effects of LEGO®-Based Play Therapy on Social Skills and Play Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Обзор

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Children with ASD often experience challenges in developing social relationships and engaging in age-appropriate play activities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of LEGO®-Based Play Therapy in improving social skills and play skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants are assigned to either a LEGO®-Based Play Therapy group or a control group. The intervention consists of structured group sessions conducted over a 12-week period using collaborative LEGO® building activities designed to promote communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and peer interaction. The primary outcomes are changes in social skills and play skills measured using validated assessment tools before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of LEGO®-Based Play Therapy as a supportive intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder and contribute to the development of evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

Подробное описание

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, accompanied by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Difficulties in social interaction and functional play may negatively affect children's participation in daily life and peer relationships. Therefore, interventions that support social engagement through structured play have gained increasing attention.

LEGO®-Based Play Therapy is a structured, collaborative intervention that promotes communication, joint attention, cooperation, turn-taking, problem-solving, and social interaction through shared LEGO® construction activities. During each session, children work together by assuming complementary roles to complete building tasks, encouraging reciprocal communication and cooperative play.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of LEGO®-Based Play Therapy in improving social skills and play skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants are allocated to an intervention group receiving LEGO®-Based Play Therapy or to a control group receiving usual care without LEGO®-Based Play Therapy during the study period.

The intervention is delivered in small groups over a 12-week period using standardized LEGO®-Based Play Therapy procedures. Social skills and play skills are evaluated using validated outcome measures administered before and after the intervention. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence base regarding psychosocial interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder and provide guidance for clinicians, educators, and families.

Вмешательства

• Поведенческое LEGO®-Based Play Therapy
  Participants receive LEGO®-Based Play Therapy in small groups once weekly for 12 weeks. During each session, children collaboratively build LEGO® models while rotating through three structured roles: Engineer (provides building instructions and guides the task), Supplier (identifies and provides the required LEGO® pieces), and Builder (assembles the LEGO® model according to the instructions). The intervention is designed to improve social communication, cooperation, joint attention, problem-solv

Первичные конечные точки

• Play Skills [Срок оценки: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), and Week 24 (12-week follow-up)]
• Social Skills [Срок оценки: Baseline, Week 12 (immediately after completion of the intervention), and Week 24 (12 weeks after completion of the intervention)]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• Children aged 6 to 12 years.
• Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) or the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11).
• Regular attendance at the Istanbul Gedik University Center for Barrier-Free Life Practice and Research.
• No physical health condition that would prevent participation in group activities.
• Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
• Willingness of the child to participate in the study.

Критерии исключения

• Presence of a physical, neurological, or psychiatric condition that would prevent participation in LEGO®-Based Group Play Therapy.
• Absence from more than 20% of the planned 12 intervention sessions. Incomplete completion of the data collection instruments by the parent or legal guardian, or failure to participate in the post-intervention or follow-up assessments.
• Withdrawal from the study by the child or the parent/legal guardian at any stage of the research

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Нет

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Открытое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 центр

• Istanbul Gedik University Center for Barrier-Free Life Practice and Research — Istanbul

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT07751679 · 11470191-050.04-2025.173340.50

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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