LEGO-Based Play Therapy for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized bypersistent deficits in social communication and interaction, accompanied by restrictedand repetitive patterns of behavior. Difficulties in social interaction and functionalplay may negatively affect children's participation in daily life and peer relationships.Therefore, interventions that support social engagement through structured play havegained increasing attention.LEGO®‐Based Play Therapy is a structured, collaborative intervention that promotescommunication, joint attention, cooperation, turn‐taking, problem‐solving, and socialinteraction through shared LEGO® construction activities. During each session, childrenwork together by assuming complementary roles to complete building tasks, encouragingreciprocal communication and cooperative play.The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness ofLEGO®‐Based Play Therapy in improving social skills and play skills in children withautism spectrum disorder. Participants are allocated to an intervention group receivingLEGO®‐Based Play Therapy or to a control group receiving usual care without LEGO®‐BasedPlay Therapy during the study period.The intervention is delivered in small groups over a 12‐week period using standardizedLEGO®‐Based Play Therapy procedures. Social skills and play skills are evaluated usingvalidated outcome measures administered before and after the intervention. The findingsare expected to contribute to the evidence base regarding psychosocial interventions forchildren with autism spectrum disorder and provide guidance for clinicians, educators,and families.