Brick Connections
Where play and creativity build connections and guide children’s social navigation.
Overview
The Brick Connections program is founded in the evidence-based LEGO® Based Therapy approach, first developed by Dr. Daniel LeGoff in the 1990s and later expanded through research at Cambridge University by Gina Gómez de la Cuesta and Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Guided by the AutPlay® neurodiversity-affirming model, created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant, the program ensures play remains joyful and therapeutic while respecting every child’s unique way of engaging.
Facilitator
The program is facilitated by Melissa Garstang-Leary (Counsellor, Play Therapist, Certified Facilitator of LEGO® Based Therapy, and Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider®), and creates a neuroaffirming space where children explore social navigation through creativity, connection, and co-regulation. To learn more about Melissa click here.
Group Size
Groups are intentionally kept small (3 to 4 children per group) to create a connected and responsive environment. Groups are formed based on age and individual needs, with a parent intake process conducted beforehand to ensure the best fit for each child.
Group Focus
This structure allows children to bring their love of creative play and LEGO® bricks into a safe, affirming space where they can explore social navigation through:
- Collaboration and relationship building
- Turn-taking and shared attention
- Problem-solving and working towards shared goals
- Communication and perspective-taking
- Conflict resolution and regulation through play.
Program Outline
The Brick Connections program includes:
- Parent intake session – collaborative discussion to understand child’s strengths, play preferences, interests, needs, and goals.
- Therapeutic plan – individualised roadmap formulated on each child’s strengths, interests, and play preferences and aligned with the program.
- LEGO® Based Therapy acknowledgement certificates – celebrating progress at achievement levels: LEGO® Helper, Builder, Creator, Master, Genius.
- Therapeutic outcomes report – clear summary of evidence of the outcomes achieved and progress towards goals.
- Parent feedback session – reflective conversation to share insights, celebrate growth, and discuss potential next steps.
Register for Brick Connections
Register your interest or request a parent intake session by contacting Melissa.
The Brick Connections Group Holiday Program
January 2026
This Summer Holidays, children aged 5–12 are invited to join our evidence-based play and social groups founded on LEGO® -based therapy and guided by the AutPlay® neurodiversity-affirming model.
Program Commitment and Structure
As this is a group program, therapeutic safety and the quality of the shared experience rely on consistent attendance. Full commitment to all scheduled dates is required. Dates: Monday 12 January, Tuesday 13 January, Thursday 15 January, Monday 19 January, and Tuesday 20 January.
Final session times will be advised based on participants’ ages and needs. Proposed times are:
- Children aged 5–7 years: 9:00–11:00am
- Children aged 8–12 years: 12:00–2:00pm
Parent Intake Sessions
- Parent intake sessions will be conducted from 8 January 2026.
- These sessions can be held online or in person.
- Intake sessions are essential for preparing families and ensuring therapeutic safety before the group program begins.
Parent Feedback Consultations
- Parent feedback consultation sessions will commence from 27 January 2026 onwards.
- These consultations are booked during the intake session (online or in person).
- Feedback consultations provide an opportunity to reflect on your child’s experience, discuss progress, and plan next steps.
Next Steps
To secure a place in the Brick Connections Holiday Program:
- Register your interest by contacting Melissa at Inner Wisdom Counselling and Wellbeing.
- Book a parent intake session. Once registered, you will be provided with information to book the initial parent intake. This ensures we understand your child’s needs and can place them in the group that best supports their age, strengths, and goals.
- Review and confirm. After the intake session, you will be requested to review your child’s therapeutic plan and goals. Their place in the program will then be confirmed.
Important:
- Spaces are limited to 3–4 children per group, and the program will only run with a minimum of 3 confirmed participants.
- The program is suitable for private paying clients and NDIS participants.
- Brick Connections is delivered as a group‑based capacity‑building program in accordance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our supports are designed to increase functional capacity across key areas including mobility, learning, communication, self‑care, social interaction, and self‑management. Sessions draw on LEGO®‑Based Therapy, the AutPlay® framework, and the therapeutic powers of play to foster skills, confidence, and connection. All fees for group‑based supports are structured in line with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, ensuring transparency and consistency for families. For NDIS participants, please check with your plan manager or support coordinator.
Disclaimer:
The LEGO® logo, SERIOUS PLAY®, Imaginopedia™, the Minifigure and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO® Group, which does not sponsor, authorise, or endorse this website.
