Thanks to Louise from the IW branch of the National Autistic Society for this latest update. Ed
The National Autistic Society (NAS) Isle of Wight (IOW) branch had a very special Lego Club session on Saturday where children were given the opportunity to build a 60cm Olympic Torch completely out of Lego.
Gill Elsom, Saturday Lego Club co-ordinator, said “We wanted to give the children the opportunity to be involved in the Olympic Torch relay today. Four children between the ages of 6 – 11 decided to take up the challenge and had a little help from a 38 yr old.
“The Lego Olympic Torch is about 60cm tall and is mostly solid Lego; it is made out of hundreds of Lego bricks. The flame is made of orange, yellow and red bricks. Lego is a great way to help kids on the autistic spectrum play, share and develop their social communication skills. All of the children involved were delighted with their own personal achievement today which involved working well as a team”.
Club can make a world of difference
Louise Foley, NAS IOW branch officer, said “Many individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty processing everyday sensory information such as sounds, sights and smells. This can have a profound effect on a person’s life. Individuals who struggle to deal with all this information are likely to become stressed or anxious, and possibly feel physical pain.
“This can result in difficult behaviour which may lead to a total meltdown. My youngest son has Sensory Integration Difficulties and I know of many other children who do too. Some of these children attend our Saturday Lego Club. Words cannot describe how happy this photo makes me feel. The right support, at the right time can make a world of difference to children with autism and their families.”
Listed on eBay
The Lego Olympic Torch has now been listed on eBay with a starting bid price at 99p; proceeds from the auction will go to the Lego Club to help more children develop these skills.
You can take part in the online bidding on eBay (or Search Lego Olympic Torch (60cm tall) – Made at a Lego Club for Autistic Kids
At time of publishing 12 bids had already been placed, with the price at £41.
PS. the girl and boy are not included in the sale!
