Lego Sets For ADHD: Key Benefits

Building LEGO sets is much more than just a fun activity. It helps with thinking skills, reducing stress, improving motor skills, boosting creativity, encouraging social interactions, supporting therapy, and promoting lifelong learning.

According to the LEGO Group's 2018 Play Well Report, 88% of families who play with LEGO sets for five hours or more each week report feeling happy. This shows how positive building LEGO sets can be.

In this article, we will examine why LEGO building is a powerful tool for managing ADHD.

Therapeutic Benefits of LEGO Use for ADHD

Are LEGO sets good for ADHD? The answer is YES. LEGO sets can be a powerful tool for managing ADHD. Here’s how it works.

Enhancing Cognitive Skills

Building LEGO sets requires planning and problem-solving. These activities boost your brain, improving skills like spatial awareness, focus, and concentration. Playing with LEGO sets develops critical thinking and sustained attention, which are essential for managing ADHD symptoms.

A 2014 study highlights that cognitive training, such as exercises targeting working memory and attention, can significantly enhance skills in children with ADHD. The study found that repeated cognitive tasks led to improvements not only in trained areas like working memory but also in broader skills like problem-solving, a phenomenon called the "transfer effect."

Structured activities like building LEGO sets could similarly enhance focus and executive functioning in a fun and accessible way.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Building LEGO is a hands-on activity that calms the mind. Assembling pieces repetitively helps you relax and lower stress and anxiety. Building LEGO sets acts like active meditation, promoting mental well-being.

One study found that building LEGO sets was as effective as coloring therapy in helping participants relax. It highlighted how creative activities like building LEGO bricks provide a calming and meditative experience. This simple, hands-on approach offers a way to unwind and support mental well-being while enjoying the creation process.

Improving Fine Motor Skills

Handling small LEGO bricks enhances fine motor skills. This is especially useful for children, improving hand-eye coordination and dexterity. LEGO sets play supports daily activities like writing and tying shoes, benefiting both children and adults.

A 2021 study showed that goal-oriented play activities, like arranging blocks, significantly improved motor skills in young children. Participants demonstrated better hand-eye coordination and dexterity after 12 weeks of structured play.

These findings show that arranging blocks, like LEGO pieces, can enhance daily tasks such as writing and tying shoes, benefiting both kids and adults.

Boosting Creativity and Imagination

Building with LEGO fosters creativity and imagination, as explored in the application of LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP). The method discussed in a study on group collaboration demonstrated that using LEGO to represent abstract ideas helps people think innovatively and develop solutions collaboratively.

By constructing models, individuals can visualize and share unique perspectives, which enhances problem-solving and builds a sense of achievement. This creative approach shows how LEGO sets can inspire innovative thinking in both personal and professional contexts.

Real-Life Applications and Testimonials

LEGO sets isn't just fun; it has real benefits for people with ADHD. Here are some personal stories and expert opinions.

Personal Experiences

Andrew Flavahan shares his story: "I struggled in school — a lot. Until I found a way to infuse my education with the same visualization, planning, and scaling techniques that I had successfully (and enthusiastically) applied to my LEGO creations." This shows how LEGO sets can turn school challenges into opportunities for focused problem-solving.

He adds, "In my personal and professional life today, I continue using this formula for better concentration and problem solving." His experience shows how LEGO sets help manage ADHD and builds long-term skills.

Parent Testimonials

Parents have seen great improvements in their children with ADHD through LEGO play. One parent says, “Using LEGO as part of my child’s therapy was a game-changer. While medication helped control his hyperactivity, LEGO gave him an outlet to channel his focus and creativity. The structured play provided by LEGO sets complements his treatment, offering a hands-on way to engage his mind.”

Another parent from a LEGO therapy study at the Yale Child Study Center shares, “LEGO has become an essential part of our family’s routine. My son, who has ADHD, used to become easily frustrated with creative tasks, but now, thanks to LEGO, he’s found a positive outlet for his creativity. Building LEGO sets has not only improved his problem-solving skills but has also given him a sense of accomplishment that boosts his self-esteem.”

Success Stories

Many success stories show LEGO set’s positive impact on individuals with ADHD. An interview with Gina Gomez de la Cuesta includes a parent’s testimonial: “Before we introduced LEGO into our daily routine, my son struggled with staying focused on tasks, especially those that required sustained attention. However, after participating in LEGO therapy sessions, we noticed a significant improvement in his ability to concentrate and follow through on activities.”

Another study from the University of Rochester Medical Center features a parent who says, “The collaborative nature of LEGO play has taught her valuable lessons in teamwork and communication. She’s now more engaged in group activities and has even made new friends through her LEGO club.”

Community and Group Engagement

LEGO sets also helps children with ADHD engage in community and group activities. Programs like Play Included’s Brick-by-Brick offer positive experiences through LEGO sets. Activities such as The Missing Brick test memory and observation skills, while Colour Collectors is an outdoor adventure that requires matching bricks to their surroundings. These group activities encourage teamwork and social interaction.

Parents also report that local LEGO clubs or conventions give their children a sense of belonging and opportunities to work on larger projects, enhancing social and teamwork skills.

Selecting the Right LEGO Sets for ADHD

Choosing the right LEGO sets is important for getting the most benefits for ADHD. Here are key recommendations for choosing effective LEGO sets to manage ADHD symptoms.

Age-Appropriate Choices

Matching LEGO sets to the child’s age and development stage ensures the building process is just right. Here are some recommendations based on age groups:

For Younger Children

LEGO DUPLO is perfect for younger children with ADHD because of its larger bricks and simpler designs. These sets are safe and easy to handle for small hands, reducing frustration and promoting successful builds.

LEGO DUPLO Town Life at the Daycare Centre and LEGO DUPLO Brick Box have colorful, easy-to-manage bricks and simple builds that help develop fine motor skills and focus without overwhelming the child.

This LEGO DUPLO set is designed for toddlers aged 2+ to introduce them to numbers, colors, and everyday routines through creative play. It includes diverse characters and realistic features that allow children to role-play activities from a day-care center, fostering both social and motor skills development.

Pros

• Suitable for toddlers aged 2+ with large, easy-to-handle bricks.
• Encourages learning through play with numbers, colors, and daily routines.
• Includes diverse characters for social and cooperative play.
• Features a bathroom for teaching hygiene habits like handwashing.
• Comes with accessories like a scooter, rocking horse, and art station for creative fun.
• Includes a tactile fabric mat to engage senses.
• Easy-to-build structures improve motor skills.

Cons

• Limited to basic construction due to fewer pieces (67).
• May not appeal to older children looking for complex building sets.

This LEGO DUPLO set includes 65 colorful bricks and familiar pieces, such as a toy car, figures, and numbered bricks. It encourages creativity and learning through imaginative play while developing motor skills and problem-solving. The set comes in a sturdy storage box for easy cleanup.

Pros

• Includes 65 pieces with vibrant colors and familiar designs.
• Features a toy car with moving wheels and numbered bricks for learning.
• Encourages creativity and fine motor skill development.
• Comes with a storage box for easy organization.
• Suitable for toddlers 18+ months, with large, safe pieces.
• Includes figures and ideas for additional building inspiration.

Cons

• Limited number of pieces may not satisfy older toddlers or advanced builders.
• Only one car included, which may cause sharing issues.
• Storage box could be larger to fit expanded collections.

For Older Children and Adults

As children grow, their cognitive and motor skills improve, allowing them to handle more complex LEGO sets.

LEGO Technic and Creator 3-in-1 sets are recommended for older children and adults with ADHD.

For example, LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance offers a detailed build with moving parts, enhancing problem-solving skills and sustained attention. Similarly, LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship provides multiple build options, keeping the activity interesting and promoting planning and organization.

These more complex sets require advanced planning, problem-solving, and spatial awareness, which help maintain attention and improve cognitive skills. The challenges in these sets teach patience and persistence, encouraging individuals to complete projects despite obstacles.

This features realistic functions like 360° steering, articulated suspension, and a movable arm. The set includes a buildable Ingenuity helicopter and comes with an AR app to explore the rover’s mission.

Pros

• Includes 1,132 pieces for a complex and engaging build.
• Realistic features like 360° steering, movable arms, and working suspension.
• Accompanied by an AR app for interactive learning.
• Comes with a buildable model of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter.
• Encourages learning about space exploration and engineering.
• Great gift for kids passionate about science and technology.

Cons

• May be too complex for younger children or beginners.
• Some pieces, like suspension components, can be challenging to assemble.

This LEGO Creator 3-in-1 set allows kids aged 9+ to build and rebuild a pirate ship, Pirates’ Inn, or Skull Island. With detailed designs, moving parts, and multiple minifigures, it offers endless imaginative play and creative adventures for young builders.

Pros

• Includes 3 build options: Pirate Ship, Pirates’ Inn, and Skull Island.
• Features realistic details like rotating cannons, a cabin with opening roof, and working sails.
• Comes with 4 minifigures: 2 pirates, 1 deckhand, and a skeleton.
• Includes buildable animals like a shark and parrot.
• Packed with accessories like a treasure chest, telescope, flags, and more.
• Easy-to-follow instructions for creative play and display.
• Large size offers an impressive final build for display or play.

Cons

• May be challenging for beginners due to the detailed build.
• Requires dismantling one model to build another.

Interest-Based Selection

For those with imaginative minds, sets like LEGO Friends and LEGO Ninjago are great for children who enjoy storytelling and creative play. These themes encourage children to create stories and explore fantastical worlds, fostering creativity and imaginative thinking.

For example, LEGO Friends Friendship Tree House includes multiple interactive features, promoting imaginative play and social interaction.

Similarly, LEGO Ninjago Creative Ninja Brick Box allows children to build and create their own ninja adventures, enhancing their creativity and narrative skills.

This eco-themed LEGO Friends set features a 4-floor treehouse with multiple rooms, including an office, kitchen, bedroom, and sitting area. Designed for kids aged 8+, it encourages teamwork, creativity, and caring for others through imaginative play.

Pros

• Includes five mini-doll characters, a bunny figure, and changeable expressions for added creativity.
• Features an elevator for accessibility, perfect for the Jackson mini-doll in a wheelchair.
• Comes with fun play elements like a slide, swing, and telescope for nature observation.
• Includes detailed accessories like a beehive, carpentry vice, and kitchen items.
• Hidden retro treasures with a QR code to explore Heartlake City’s history.
• Great for eco-conscious kids with its sustainable living theme.
• High-quality instructions and interactive building app for ease of assembly.
• Over 1,100 pieces for a satisfying building experience.

Cons

• Requires significant time to assemble, which could challenge younger children.
• Large piece count may require organization to avoid frustration.

This LEGO Ninjago set features a detailed temple with interactive elements for practicing ninja skills and staging epic battles. It includes seven unique minifigures and various collectible items, providing creative play for kids aged 6 and up.

Pros

• Includes seven detailed minifigures, including Kai, Jay, Lloyd Legacy, and villains like Eyezor.
• Features a battle platform, spinning weapon, and rotating weapon platform for action-packed play.
• Comes with collectible jade blades and a golden Lloyd Legacy minifigure to celebrate Ninjago's 10th anniversary.
• Detailed temple design with multiple floors for creative play.
• Easy-to-follow instructions and engaging assembly experience with 283 pieces.
• Compatible with other Ninjago sets for expanded adventures.
• Encourages imaginative play and ninja-themed storytelling.

Cons

• Limited detail on the back of the temple compared to the front.
• Small balconies restrict space for minifigure placement.
• Includes some challenging stickers for younger kids to apply.

Structured vs. Creative Sets

Balancing structured and creative LEGO sets is important for supporting different aspects of cognitive and emotional development in children with ADHD.

Structured Sets

Structured sets come with detailed, step-by-step instructions that guide builders through the construction process. These sets are great for teaching organization, planning, and completing tasks.

For example, LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster is a detailed set with intricate parts and specific build instructions, perfect for teaching careful planning and execution.

This advanced LEGO Creator Expert set lets you build a fully functional roller coaster with chain-lift operation. Designed for builders aged 16 and up, it includes detailed features like a ticket booth, cotton candy cart, and multiple minifigures, making it a centerpiece for any LEGO collection.

Pros

• Includes 11 minifigures, such as riders, attendants, and spectators.
• Fully functional roller coaster with chain-lift operation.
• Can be upgraded with LEGO Power Functions or LEGO BOOST for automation and sound effects.
• Large, detailed build with over 4,100 pieces.
• Features authentic details like a concession stand and lap bars.
• Encourages creativity with the ability to integrate with other LEGO sets.

Cons

• Does not include motor or battery packs; these must be purchased separately.
• Requires significant space for display due to its large size.

Creative Sets

Creative sets allow for free-form building without strict instructions, encouraging experimentation and original design. These sets are ideal for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

For example, LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box has many bricks and encourages children to build whatever they imagine, promoting open-ended creativity.

This versatile LEGO set includes 790 pieces in 33 colors, perfect for sparking creativity and imagination in kids and adults alike. It features various bricks, windows, doors, wheels, and baseplates for endless building possibilities. The sturdy storage box keeps everything organized and makes it ideal for classrooms or home use.

Pros

• Comes with 790 pieces in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Includes 8 types of windows and doors, 2 green baseplates, and 6 toy tires with rims.
• Encourages open-ended creative play.
• Compatible with all other LEGO sets.
• Sturdy storage box doubles as an organization solution.
• Great for boys and girls of all ages.
• Easy to use for building multiple models simultaneously.

Cons

• No step-by-step instructions for specific builds.
• May lack highly specialized pieces for advanced creations.

Final Words

Building LEGO sets gives you a positive way to use your energy and creativity, especially if you have ADHD symptoms. You can grow and improve your daily life through LEGO set activities.

The right LEGO sets help you learn new skills and build confidence. LEGO bricks not only entertain but also helps you overcome challenges and succeed.

FAQs on LEGO sets for ADHD

Does LEGO sets have benefits for adults?

Yes, LEGO sets are excellent for adults. It improves cognitive skills, reduces stress, and enhances creativity and teamwork.

How does LEGO sets improve motor skills?

Handling small bricks enhances hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are crucial for both kids and adults.

Is LEGO therapy useful for autism?

Yes, LEGO therapy helps children with autism develop social, communication, and motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

Can LEGO sets play enhance problem-solving?

Definitely. Figuring out how pieces fit together builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Are LEGO bricks good for social bonding?

Yes, building LEGO bricks together promotes teamwork, communication, and shared goals, making it a fun way to connect.

How do LEGO sets encourage lifelong learning?

LEGO sets keep your brain active as you tackle new sets and designs, promoting continuous learning and cognitive health.

Can LEGO sets be used in professional team-building?

Yes, many companies use LEGO sets in workshops to improve collaboration, problem-solving, and communication within teams.