Background
Adults with chronic aphasia often experience reduced social participation, confidence, and meaningful communication opportunities. Traditional conversation groups can lack complexity or meaningful activity. Activity based groups may create a more engaging context in which communication rehabilitation occurs naturally through goal-directed participation.
Aim
This project describes the implementation and outcomes of a structured LEGO-based group designed to support communication confidence, strategy use, and collaborative interaction in adults with chronic aphasia.
Methods
Three adults in their early 50s with chronic aphasia (1.5–2.5 years post-stroke) attended a five-session program in a private rehabilitation setting. Aphasia severity ranged from mild to moderate, with variable receptive and expressive strengths. Fortnightly one-hour sessions included collaborative planning, strategy development, and role-based LEGO construction, adapted from paediatric LEGO therapy models. The intervention drew on LPAA principles, supported conversation, and communication strategy use. Participant confidence, enjoyment, and perceived strategy use were measured pre/post program using a pictorial rating scale.
Results
All participants reported increased confidence and enjoyment. Observations indicated improved use of repair strategies, including written supports, clarification requests, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants showed greater initiation and reduced reliance on external supports over time. The intervention appeared to support complex expressive language, less often targeted in traditional conversation groups.
Conclusion
A low-cost, replicable LEGO group may support communication confidence, strategy use, and participation in adults with chronic aphasia. Structured roles, multimodal supports, and purposeful activity provide a meaningful context for practice. This program could be adapted for multidisciplinary settings, including occupational therapy input for fine motor goals.