Lining objects up is a common autistic stim. However, autism professionals often refer to this activity as inappropriate play or a cautionary tale of some sort.
Lining items up and arranging them according to rules is what most people call “organizing things,” which helps create a predictable environment. Autistic people just do this more often and with more nuance.
This piece is a look into my autistic machinations for lining things up.
I am probably moving soon, and with that turmoil on the horizon, my brain needed a way to find order. This LEGO art appeared as a result.
No Confusion; An Infusion
I say “appeared” because my fingers infused this creation with specific rules as it was being built. I didn’t think of the rules ahead of time, but they made themselves known as the LEGO pieces joined together. When the rules became known to my brain, I could not break them.
Once I started gathering slopes in front of me, I felt a need to be complete, so I scoured my kids’ LEGO collections as well.
I’ll give them back—don’t worry.
I know other slopes exist, but I do not currently own them. Besides, many of the rules came together because of the restrictions that I encountered. This piece would not be the same if I had access to unlimited bricks. The satisfaction would not be the same if I had unlimited pieces to complete such a puzzle.
I do accept LEGO slope donations for future projects, however.
The Rules
1. Each upper slope* is a different type of LEGO element.
2. Each upper slope is a different color, except for the white “bookend” slopes.
3. All studs that are not part of the upper slopes are covered with tiles.
4. These are all of the different types of LEGO slopes I have in my house.
5. Each upper slope has only 1 slope facet (no multi-facets or wedges).
6. Each lower slope is a 1×2 45-degree slope brick (LEGO part 3040).
7. The slopes are in very pleasing color order.
8. Each lower slope color matches the upper slope above it.
9. All slopes’ white tile runners match their plate heights.
10. The rear “cloud” slopes change when they touch the taller runners.
11. The feet tile colors match the slopes above them.
12. The feet tile positions alternate (except for the side supports, which still annoy me).
Breaking the Rules
Despite such a comprehensive ruleset, there are a few rules I tried but had to break. They do annoy me, but my fingers were ready to move on to the next project. My brain soon followed.
Honestly, I’d love to see what sticks out to you, too. I’d love to hear your comments about the rules you think I missed or broke!
*Upper slopes’ official LEGO colors and part numbers:
- White – LEGO part 42022
- Tan – LEGO part 54200
- Brown – LEGO part 3040
- Dark Red – LEGO part 6091
- Red – LEGO part 60477
- Orange – LEGO part 61678
- Yellow – LEGO part 11477
- Lime – LEGO part 33243
- Green – LEGO part 4286
- Dark Green – LEGO part 60481
- Blue – LEGO part 61409
- Dark Azure – LEGO part 92946
- Medium Lavender – LEGO part 6215
- Dark Purple – LEGO part 30099
- Magenta – LEGO part 50950
- Bright Pink – LEGO part 6191
- Black – LEGO part 85970
- Light Bluish Gray – LEGO part 18653
- White – LEGO part 4460
- NeuroClastic, Inc. Autistic Services, Initiatives, and Endorsements - May 2, 2020
- Lining Up and Arranging and Color Coding Objects, Oh My! - March 22, 2020
- I Dream of Plane Crashes - February 12, 2020
