In schools, clinics, and homes across more than 25 countries, LEGO® therapy is no longer just a classroom concept — it is a global model for inclusive, evidence-based support. At the heart of this international effort is Play Included.
The UK-based organisation, known for developing the Brick-by-Brick® Programme, has created one of the most widely used LEGO® therapy training platforms available today. With partnerships ranging from top universities to grassroots educators, Play Included is building more than just skills — it is building a worldwide movement based on empathy, communication, and the joy of play.
From Local to Global — A Model That Travels
Whether it’s a therapy group in Auckland or a school session in Shanghai, Play Included’s approach adapts across cultures, languages, and learning styles. Its online training is now used by professionals on six continents, helping thousands of neurodivergent children connect in structured group environments known as Brick Clubs.
In the past year alone, more than 600 Brick Clubs have been delivered using Play Included’s tools, supporting over 2,000 children — each one gaining social confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging.
Real Stories, Real Change
The impact goes far beyond numbers. In one case, a child who had been selectively mute for over a year began speaking during Brick Club sessions. In another, a boy with severe anxiety eventually went on to co-facilitate a group within 12 months.
Brick Clubs succeed because they are structured, playful, and peer-led. Children rotate roles such as supplier, builder, or engineer, and complete collaborative LEGO® builds together. This framework gives structure to social interaction, which is often where neurodivergent children struggle most.
What Makes Play Included Different?
While many informal LEGO® therapy approaches exist, Play Included remains the only provider certified by the LEGO Foundation. That endorsement means its materials and outcomes are grounded in research, not just creativity.
The training includes session plans, case studies, and video examples — plus access to a global facilitator community for ongoing peer learning. For those who want to deepen their expertise, Play Included also offers advanced training and memberships, ensuring facilitators continue to grow long after their initial certification.
Bridging Gaps, Building Community
From Mexico to Malaysia, the demand for inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming support has never been higher. Play Included meets that need through partnerships that balance global standards with local context.
One example is its collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, embedding LEGO® therapy into outreach programmes for underserved communities in Pittsburgh. In the UK, NHS trusts and local authorities are using Brick Clubs to complement therapy and inclusion services.
For more updates and stories of this expanding reach, visit the Play Included news page.
Looking Ahead
Play Included has set an ambitious target: train 10,000 professionals and reach more than 100,000 children by 2030. With new languages, delivery models, and partnerships in the pipeline, the organisation is poised to bring structured play to even more communities worldwide.
Find Out More
If you’re ready to bring Brick Club to your school, clinic, or community, explore training and membership options and download facilitator resources from Play Included.
