Autism Awareness Blog Hop 2019

Autism is much more common than many people think. There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 1001. If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people.

When RJ asked us to write a piece on Childhood Toys my first thought was Lego. Lego has played a massive part in my life, both as a child and a parent. When I had Lego it was more or less just coloured blocks, windows, roof tiles and wheels, with the occasional person. When my son started playing with it Lego had developed to themed sets. But either way an obsession was started that has stuck with both of us, and also grips my brother and he has passed it down to his own son. What is it about Lego, then, that causes an infatuation that can last a lifetime? It's appeals to our inner builder and engineer, develops motor skills, teaches us to follow instructions but also encourages us to use our imagination and be creative. Once built Lego an be a great tool for storytelling and imaginative play.

Thinking of all these things I wondered if Lego would make a suitable toy for autistic children. A quick Google search showed me that Lego are already used as a form of therapy with some teachers of autistic children to develop social communication skills, such as sharing, turn-taking, following rules, using names and problem-solving . Even without Lego therapy, Lego are extraordinarily popular among autistic children as they behave in a predictable way and are a repeatable activity that can be worked on by the child on their own. Lego kits or blocks also behave in similar ways and are predicable for the child in the way they work. And due to their very nature Lego are suitable for teenagers and adults as well.

If you're interested on reading more about Lego therapy check out this post.

Want to learn some more facts on autism? Or read other author's memories of childhood toys. Check out the Masterlist of posts in the blog hop here.


Under the Radar

It’s 1942 and there’s a war on. But with a tempting steward in the wardroom and the very real possibility that someone on board is a spy, Zach doesn’t know what is in more danger, the submarine under his charge or his heart.

Universal buy link https://books2read.com/UnderTheRadar

Giveaway

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Charity

RJ supports Lindengate, a mental health charity that works with autistic children.