Play Included: Pioneering Research and Innovation

At Play Included, we’re passionate about learning, growing, and sharing what we know to help children around the world thrive. We love research because it helps us keep discovering new ways to make a positive impact through play. Here’s how we make it happen:

1. Research Collaboration: We team up with academic institutions to explore exciting new ways to apply our programmes and ensure they’re as effective as possible. From emotional regulation to neurodiversity inclusion, we’re constantly adding to the evidence base to help children unlock their full potential. If you're involved in some research, we'd love to hear from you!

2. Training Programs: Our training programmes are built with care and packed with the latest research insights. We offer practical tools and support for therapists, teachers, and parents—making it easier for everyone to bring the magic of the Brick-by-Brick® programme to life.

3. Innovative Resources: We adore dreaming up fresh, playful ideas! Whether it’s creating structured activity guides or group manuals, our resources are designed to make Brick Clubs accessible, fun, and impactful for children and facilitators alike.

4. Promoting Inclusion: By fostering understanding and creating supportive play environments, Play Included actively promotes inclusion for neurodivergent children. Our approach empowers participants to build meaningful friendships and navigate social challenges with confidence.

As the Brick-by-Brick® programme reaches more people, we’re excited to keep leading the way in research and innovation. Our ongoing studies are looking at how we can expand to meet the needs of more children, in more places, and for a wider range of social and emotional challenges. Together, we’re building brighter futures—one playful brick at a time!

What Does the Research Say?

1. Development of Social Skills: Studies have consistently demonstrated that LEGO® based therapy improves social competencies. Participants show gains in confidence, communication, collaboration and wellbeing. At Play Included we champion improving research so it is neurodiversity affirming, moving forward from the original studies in this field to include autistic voices and children's views into the research. The early studies showed:

   • LeGoff & Sherman (2006): A study of autistic children reported a significant increase in social interactions outside therapy sessions after participating in LEGO®-based groups.

   • Owens et al. (2008): Follow-up research confirmed that these benefits are sustained over time, highlighting the long-term impact of the therapy.

2. Engagement Through Play: The inherent appeal of LEGO® bricks motivates children to participate and remain engaged. Unlike traditional therapies, the play-based format reduces anxiety and promotes engagement.

3. Peer-Led Benefits: LEGO® based therapy groups encourage peer support, with children naturally engaging with one another. Research indicates that this peer-driven approach enhances social learning in an organic and meaningful way.

The I-SOCIALISE randomised controlled trial

Our Founder and Director Dr Gina Gomez de la Cuesta was a co-applicant and advisor on the first large-scale pragmatic randomized controlled trial in the UK funded by the National Institute of Health Research.

This large-scale, pragmatic trial demonstrated:

• LEGO® based therapy improved social skills in school settings.

• The approach was cost-effective, feasible to implement, and highly acceptable to schools.

Published Research from I-SOCIALISE:

• Autism: Social Competence Results

• Autism Research: Acceptability in Education

• BMJ Open: Cost-Utility Analysis

• BMJ Open: Study Protocol

Expanding Horizons: Mexico and Kenya

Play Included, with support from The LEGO Foundation, piloted the Brick-by-Brick® Programme in Mexico and Kenya. These initiatives confirmed the program’s adaptability across diverse settings, even in areas with limited access to LEGO® bricks. Check out the video at the bottom of the page to find out more about our research in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

• Brick Clubs are feasible and impactful in new cultural contexts.

• Training materials should represent diverse groups to increase inclusivity.

• Families and children valued meeting others with similar experiences.

• Alternative materials like wooden blocks or fabric dolls can complement LEGO® bricks in Brick Club activities.

Play Included’s Summer Impact Survey 2024: Building Confidence and Connections Through Play

The Summer Impact Survey 2024 highlights the transformative effects of the Brick-by-Brick® programme on children, facilitators, and communities worldwide.

In 2024 alone, over 600 Brick Clubs were delivered across the globe. Facilitators trained by Play Included are making strides in diverse settings, including schools, healthcare environments, and community centres, with many focusing on supporting neurodivergent children and those with ADHD or social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Children’s Voices: Building Friendships and Confidence

Children participating in Brick Clubs shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences:

• Fun and Happiness: 85% of children said they had fun at Brick Club, and 91% reported feeling happy when attending sessions. Many described Brick Clubs as a highlight of their week, enjoying the creativity, teamwork, and friendships that emerged during play.

• Friendships: 90% of children said they had friends at Brick Club, with many valuing the opportunity to connect with peers in a supportive environment. Children noted feeling more confident and connected after attending.

• Growth and Pride: Children highlighted personal growth, from feeling more creative to improving their teamwork. Many expressed pride in their LEGO® creations, with some asking to take their builds home or display them at school.

“I feel happier and friendlier,” shared one child, while another said, “I’m more creative now—I enjoy freestyle building and having fun together.”

Facilitators Echo the Positivity

Facilitators, who have reached an estimated 2,000 children globally this year, confirmed the children’s feedback:

• 99% observed positive changes in children’s social development.

• 90% saw improvements in communication skills.

• 85% noted enhanced emotional wellbeing and confidence among participants.

"It’s amazing to see children working together, solving problems, and applying these skills beyond Brick Club—in the classroom, on the playground, and in their everyday lives.”

Global Presence and Inclusivity

The Brick-by-Brick® programme has extended its influence to 26 countries across six continents. Facilitators consistently emphasized the programme’s flexibility and relevance for diverse cultural and professional contexts. They praised the training as evidence-based, high-quality, and backed by trusted research partnerships with institutions like The LEGO Foundation.

Stories That Inspire

Facilitators and children alike shared heartfelt stories of success. One facilitator observed a socially withdrawn child beginning to interact independently with peers, while another saw a group’s teamwork flourish as they proudly displayed their collaborative creations. These moments reflect the essence of Brick Clubs—empowering children through play to connect, grow, and thrive.

Brick-by-Brick Innovation: ADHD, Refugees, Multilingual Learners, and Adolescents

With LEGO Foundation support, Play Included tested the Brick-by-Brick® methodology in diverse settings, including:

• Refugee children adapting to new environments.

• Children learning new languages.

• Adolescents aged 18–25.

• Children with ADHD.

What We Learned:

• The methodology is flexible and suitable for a wide range of age groups and needs.

• Adaptable materials ensure inclusivity—simpler LEGO® sets for younger children and more technical builds for older participants.

• Collaboration and teamwork make the program particularly valuable in contexts where such skills are rarely practiced.

Join us in Transforming Lives Through Play

Play Included, together with our University partners, continues to lead in developing and refining the Brick-by-Brick programme. By combining curiosity, research, and innovation, we’re building a brighter future for children and young people worldwide.

If you are a researcher with an interest in this field, we'd love to hear from you! Let’s build brighter futures—together, brick by brick.