Lego holds the key to help autistic children make friends (From This Is Local London)

Lego holds the key to help autistic children make friends

5:05pm Wednesday 3rd May 2006

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Parents of autistic children in Enfield have an opportunity to hear how a much-loved toy could help kids with the condition on Tuesday.

The Enfield branch of the National Autistic Society is hosting a talk by Georgina Owens, from the Cambridge Autism Research Centre, explaining the possible benefits of encouraging autistic children to play with Lego.

Autistic children often have severe problems playing and socialising with other children but new research has found some childrens' social skills were improved by playing with the interlocking plastic bricks.

One of autism's main characteristics is highly systematic thinking and the methodical nature of Lego could be one reason why it might help some children.

Miranda McAllister of Enfield NAS said: "The children find it difficult to play as other children do and they need help to use their imaginations, but with the right type of support, they can make progress."

The talk takes place at 8pm at Russet House School in Autumn Close off Carterhatch Lane.

For more information contact Enfield NAS on 8882 9202.

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