At Biggo Blocks, we believe in the power of play to transform lives. Our jumbo building blocks are not just toys; they are tools that can support the development and well-being of children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this blog, we explore how building blocks can be used in therapy sessions to support children with autism, helping them develop critical skills while having fun.
The Benefits of Building Blocks for Children with Autism
- Enhancing Motor Skills Building blocks can significantly improve both fine and gross motor skills in children with autism. Stacking, aligning, and connecting blocks require precise hand movements, which help strengthen hand-eye coordination and dexterity. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, engaging in activities that require fine motor skills can improve the overall motor development of children with autism (NIH, 2017).
- Encouraging Social Interaction Playing with building blocks can create opportunities for social interaction. When children engage in group activities, such as building a structure together, they learn to communicate, share, and cooperate with others. This can be particularly beneficial for children with autism, who may find social interactions challenging. The Autism Society notes that structured play activities can help children with autism practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment (Autism Society, 2020).
- Promoting Problem-Solving Skills Building blocks offer endless possibilities for creative construction, encouraging children to think critically and solve problems. Figuring out how to balance blocks or create a specific structure can stimulate cognitive development and enhance problem-solving abilities. Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders highlights that problem-solving tasks can help improve cognitive flexibility in children with autism (Kenworthy et al., 2008).
- Reducing Anxiety and Providing Sensory Input The repetitive and predictable nature of building with blocks can have a calming effect on children with autism, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of control. Additionally, the tactile experience of handling different shapes and sizes of blocks can provide valuable sensory input, which is essential for children with sensory processing challenges. Sensory play has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, helping children regulate their emotions and behaviors (Case-Smith et al., 2015).
Practical Tips for Using Building Blocks in Therapy
- Structured Play Sessions Therapists can use building blocks to create structured play sessions that focus on specific goals, such as improving communication or motor skills. These sessions can be tailored to the individual needs of each child, providing a personalized approach to therapy.
- Collaborative Building Projects Encouraging children to work together on a building project can promote teamwork and social interaction. Therapists can facilitate these activities by providing clear instructions and guiding the children through the process.
- Sensory Integration Activities Incorporating building blocks into sensory integration activities can help children with autism process sensory information more effectively. For example, therapists can create obstacle courses or sensory bins filled with blocks of different textures and sizes.
- Visual Schedules and Instructions Using visual schedules and step-by-step instructions can help children with autism understand and follow the building process. Visual aids can provide structure and predictability, making the activity more accessible and enjoyable for the child.
Conclusion
At Biggo Blocks, we are committed to providing tools that support the growth and development of all children. Building blocks can be powerful therapeutic tools for children with autism, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond play. By incorporating these versatile tools into therapy sessions, we can help children with autism develop essential skills while fostering creativity and fun.
For more information and resources on autism and therapeutic play, visit the Autism Society (www.autism-society.org) and the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov).
References:
- Autism Society. (2020). Structured Play Activities. Retrieved from Autism Society
- Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L. L., & Fristad, M. A. (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 19(3), 387-399.
- Kenworthy, L., Yerys, B. E., Anthony, L. G., & Wallace, G. L. (2008). Understanding executive control in autism spectrum disorders in the lab and in the real world. Neuropsychology Review, 18(4), 320-338.
