YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
The language of friendship is not words but meaning - Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)
If you have a friend who is on the Autism spectrum, then you are not alone: one in every 54 people in the U.S is like your friend (Autism Speaks n.d.)? You might have tried but still, find it struggling to communicate with your autistic friends. It should not be a block on your way of bonding a true friendship though: you can connect like a couple of bricks with LEGO® therapy.
LEGO blocks can build models and also friendship!
An easy game is here to save the day. In LEGO® therapy’s basic form, there are two simple modes: collaborative building in pairs or in groups (three or more players), occupying the following roles:
Figure 1: Reproduced from: HD Speech Therapy n.d.
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The Engineer: possesses a set of model instructions, requests the bricks from the Supplier, and instructs the Builder to put the model together.
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The Builder: receives the bricks from the Supplier then follows the Engineer’s instruction of making the model.
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The Supplier: owns the Lego bricks and on request, supplies the Engineer with the required items.
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These activities are safe for your autistic friends and also fun! No need to be afraid of boredom: LEGO® therapy can be broadened with storytelling, dramatic activities, and innovation to motivate creative play and collaboration. There are so many to choose from, aren’t there?
A friend indeed is a friend in need
It can be a challenge for you to build your bond with friends who have Autistic spectrum disorder, but it is even a bigger obstacle for them to overcome their anxiety. Words are not enough to prove your love, but time and efforts are. And just remember, although the way your autistic friends communicate can be different, they can be life-long trustworthy companions.
Well, they’ve got a friend in you, haven't they?
Figure 2: Reproduced from: Tobik n.d.
REFERENCE:
Autism Speak n.d, 'Autism Statistics and Facts', Autism Speak, viewed 14 September 2020, <https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics#:~:text=Autism%20Prevalence>.
HD Speech Therapy n.d., ‘LEGO®-Based Therapy’, image, HD Speech Therapy, viewed 10 September 2020, <https://hdspeechtherapy.com.au/lego-based-therapy/>.
KeyShot 2020, ‘LEGO COVID-19 Fighter’, image, Twitter, viewed 16 September 2020, <https://twitter.com/keyshot3d/status/1252340589439279105>.
Tobik, A n.d., ‘Using Lego and other visual supports to help Autistic children understand emotions’, image, Autism Parenting Magazine, viewed 10 September 2020, <https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/lego-and-emotions/>.