At Not Only Words Speech Therapy, we recognize that play is a powerful way to connect with children and support their communication growth. One of the most effective ways to engage autistic children in play is by incorporating their unique sensory preferences into People Games—interactive, toy-free activities that encourage connection and communication. By understanding your child’s sensory profile, you can create enjoyable and meaningful play experiences tailored to their needs.
Understanding Sensory Preferences
Sensory preferences refer to the way each individual processes and responds to sensory input. Just like adults may enjoy certain textures, sounds, or scents, children also have preferences that shape their experiences. For example, some children love deep pressure and hugs, while others may avoid certain touch sensations. These preferences are linked to how the brain interprets information from the sensory systems.
Autistic children often experience sensory input differently, and research suggests that up to 74% of autistic children have sensory differences. Some may be highly sensitive to sensory stimuli—such as loud noises or bright lights—while others may seek out certain sensations, like spinning or deep pressure. Many children have a combination of sensory sensitivities and sensory-seeking behaviors.
By identifying your child’s sensory preferences, you can select activities that provide enjoyable sensory experiences, making interactions more engaging and comfortable.
The Eight Sensory Systems
While many people are familiar with the five main senses—sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch—there are actually eight sensory systems that shape how we experience the world:
- Visual (sight) – How we perceive light, color, and movement.
- Olfactory (smell) – Our sense of smell and scent recognition.
- Gustatory (taste) – Our perception of flavors and textures in food.
- Auditory (hearing) – Sensitivity to sounds, pitch, and volume.
- Tactile (touch) – Awareness of different textures and physical contact.
- Vestibular (balance and movement) – Our sense of movement and spatial orientation.
- Proprioceptive (body awareness) – How we perceive our body’s position and movements.
- Interoceptive (internal body awareness) – Recognizing internal sensations like hunger, thirst, or pain.
Understanding how your child processes information from these systems allows you to create games that align with their unique sensory needs.
People Games and Sensory Preferences
People Games are social, interactive activities that don’t require toys. Many classic childhood games naturally align with different sensory preferences. By selecting games based on what your child enjoys, you can enhance their play experiences and increase engagement.
Matching Games to Sensory Preferences
| Sensory Preference | Suggested People Games |
|---|---|
| Loves movement (running, jumping) | Chase games, jumping on a trampoline, dancing to music |
| Enjoys spinning | “Ring Around the Rosie,” gentle spinning in an office chair |
| Seeks deep pressure | Blanket rolls (“burrito” wrap), big hugs after chase games |
| Likes rhythmic motion | “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” rocking back and forth together |
| Finds comfort in music | Singing, clapping games, humming familiar tunes |
| Enjoys watching hand movements | Fingerplay songs like “Where Is Thumbkin?” |
| Prefers soft textures | Peek-a-boo with a soft scarf or blanket |
Examples of Popular People Games
- Peek-a-boo – A simple game that supports turn-taking and anticipation.
- Hide and seek – Encourages problem-solving and social engagement.
- Tickle games – Can provide sensory input for children who seek touch.
- Jumping games – Helps with proprioceptive input and body awareness.
- “This Little Piggy” – A fun, interactive way to engage with touch-sensitive children.
- Dancing games – Can be adapted to include different movement preferences.
Making People Games More Engaging
To make the most of People Games, try these strategies:
- Name the game – Using the same name each time helps build familiarity and excitement.
- Follow a predictable pattern – Repetition makes the game easier to anticipate and enjoy.
- Wait for participation – Pause at key moments to encourage your child to respond in their own way, whether through gestures, sounds, or words.
- Stay playful – Maintain a fun, animated approach to keep the game enjoyable.
By tailoring People Games to your child’s sensory preferences, you create opportunities for connection, engagement, and communication growth. At Not Only Words Speech Therapy, we celebrate each child’s unique strengths and work alongside families to develop meaningful, personalized strategies for learning through play. Let’s embrace the power of People Games to support joyful, interactive moments together!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward unlocking your toddler’s potential. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your family’s needs and goals.
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