Choosing People Games that Fit Your Child’s Sensory Preferences

One of Hanen’s most-read articles of the year — and for good reason

One of my favorite ways to connect with young kids is through “people games.” These are simple, no-toy games like peek-a-boo, chase, or fingerplay songs—familiar and fun routines that kids love. But what really makes them powerful, especially for autistic children, is when they’re tailored to each child’s unique sensory preferences.

Hanen’s article “Choosing People Games that Include Your Child’s Sensory Preferences” was one of their most-read last year, and it’s no surprise why. It’s packed with helpful examples and ideas for how to make play more meaningful by tuning in to what your child enjoys most.

Why these games work so well

Some kids love movement. Others crave deep pressure, visual input, or rhythm. When we build on what already feels good to them, we’re making connection easier and communication more natural.

People games are:

• Predictable – same steps each time, which helps reduce uncertainty

• Interactive – full of natural turn-taking and shared attention

• Sensory-friendly – easy to adapt based on your child’s likes and needs

Here are a few examples from the article:

Want support putting this into practice?

I’m a certified More Than Words provider and love helping families use people games to support connection and language in ways that feel natural and fun. I also bring in strategies from Jessie Ginsburg’s Sensory Integration & Regulation course and Learn Play Thrive, a neurodiversity-affirming program created by occupational therapist Meg Proctor, MS, OTR/L.

If you’d like 1:1 support, feel free to reach out. We can figure out what your child loves and use those strengths to build communication through play and everyday routines.

Let’s connect and play.