Abu Dhabi Autism Center, affiliated with "Z H O," organizes the second "LEGO Challenge" competition for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abu Dhabi Autism Center, affiliated with Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, organized the second edition of the "LEGO Challenge" competition for the year 2024-2025. The competition targeted students with autism spectrum disorder, with distinguished participation from 33 students aged 4 to 12 years, including 10 students from the Abu Dhabi Autism Center, one student from Ghayathi Center for Care and Rehabilitation, one student from Al Karama Institute, and 20 students from schools of the Ministry of Education with integrated autism spectrum disorder students, contributing to integrating this group into creative educational activities.

Aisha Saif Al Mansoori, Director of Abu Dhabi Autism Center, stated that the organization of the "LEGO Challenge" competition comes within the center's efforts to enhance the abilities of individuals with determination. It aims to improve fine motor skills, develop visual coordination skills, encourage creativity, foster imagination, as well as develop problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, discover creative talents among children, and deepen national identity through designs inspired by cultural heritage.

She added that the competition was divided into three levels. Participants designed different models using LEGO pieces based on the specified level. The winners of the top three places in each level were honored with prizes and certificates of appreciation, in addition to participation certificates for all participants in recognition of their efforts.

In the first level, "Al Areesh," which involved designing a model using 6 to 10 LEGO pieces for a joint effort between the centers and integrated schools, the first place was won by student Mahra Al Mansoori from Al Rahba School, the second place by student Mayed Sultan Al Ali from Al Shamkha Kindergarten, and the third place by student Hessa Al Ali from Abu Dhabi Autism Center.

In the second level, "Al Fereej," which involved designing a model using 10 to 30 LEGO pieces, the Abu Dhabi Autism Center dominated the top three positions. First place went to Ali Sultan Al Marzouqi, second place to student Mahra Jassim Al Hashemi, and third place to student Badr Al Nahdi.

In the second level for schools, the first place went to student Adam Al Balushi from Hamoodah Bin Ali School, the second place to student Nasser Ahmed Baawdha from Al Qimmah School, and the third place to student Salem Mohammed Abdullah from Al Asima School.

In the third level, "Al Hosn," which involved designing a model using more than 30 LEGO pieces, the first place was won by student Sultan Omar Al Hassani from Al Karama Institute, second place by student Salem Mohammed Al Mansoori from Al Waleed School, and third place by student Issa Mohammed Al Mansoori from Ghayathi Center for Care and Rehabilitation.

It is worth mentioning that the LEGO Challenge is a competition aimed at developing creativity and imagination skills for children. It is one of the most important initiatives focusing on enhancing fine motor skills, developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through the use of LEGO games in the context of modern technology and creativity. LEGO is an educational and enjoyable game that helps develop children's skills effectively, as it enhances their ability to plan, persevere, and build self-confidence.