Group a chance to build spacecrafts and friendships

BUILDING CONNECTIONS: Autism New Zealand outreach co-ordinator Debbie Malneek hopes a Lego group will help children with autism improve their social skills.

A Wairarapa disability advocate plans to help children with autism form strong friendships -- with the help of a beloved kids' toy.

Debbie Malneek, Autism New Zealand outreach co-ordinator for Wairarapa, is starting a Lego group for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from ages 5 to 13.

The Lego group, to begin at the Wairarapa Community Centre, will have children working in small groups to design and create models of their choice, using Lego blocks.

Lego therapy has been developed overseas and piloted by Autism New Zealand in Waikato, uses creative play to improve social and communication skills in children with ASD. People with autism find Lego comforting for its methodical nature, so it creates a non-threatening environment for children who find socialising difficult.

Ms Malneek, who will facilitate the groups with the help of volunteers, said she hoped to see strong connections built alongside the spacecrafts, castles and battleships.

"Lego is an important learning tool -- it's helping initiate social interactions and it's a purposeful activity for kids. I'd love to see a Lego group take off here."

Ms Malneek, who has several family members with ASD, trained as a teacher aide, working with children with disabilities and behavioural issues.

She has worked in her 'dream job' with Autism New Zealand since 2014, supporting and advocating for parents whose children have ASD.

Ms Malneek said she was inspired to run a Lego group after hearing of the pilot group's good outcomes in Waikato -- and it would allow her to work with children one-on-one.

"I thought, 'that sounds like me to a tee,' she said.

At the Lego groups, children will create in groups of three and have specifically assigned roles -- engineer, supplier and builder.

Ms Malneek said most children with ASD are attracted to Lego, as they find solace in systems and repetition.

"Lego is routine, it's structured, and there are steps they can follow -- it's their way of using their imagination."

Assembling a Lego project in a group helps the children learn communication skills, problem-solving, negotiation and resolving conflicts.

Ms Malneek said people with ASD often find group situations unsettling, as they struggle to read social cues and understand others' perspectives.

"Children with autism hold firmly to their ideas -- it helps them stay in control in their world. But building together helps them consider each other's ideas and feelings.

"They have to make decisions as a group and be flexible -- even with choosing which Lego kits to use that day."

Ms Malneek said she also hoped the group would benefit the kids' parents, as living with ASD can be isolating for families.

"They can meet up and organise play dates. It's hard for parents to find others that understand, as autism isn't visible. People think you've just got a naughty child."

Depending on interest, Ms Malneek hopes to eventually run a Lego group in South Wairarapa.

For more information, please contact Debbie Malneek on (06) 929 7004 or 022 019 9889, or via email at wairarapa@autismnz.org.nz