CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD TO INTERACT BY…
Playing people games
Children on the autism spectrum may process the information they take in from their surroundings a bit differently than
other children do. This may be because they are often under- or over-sensitive to certain sensations, such as touch, smell,
taste, sound, or movement. For example, when children are under-sensitive to certain sensations, they may seek out more
of that sensation. If your child is under-sensitive to movement, we might see repetitive actions like constant running,
jumping, or climbing. Or, if they're under-sensitive to sound, they might repeatedly use their noisiest toys.
The sensations your child craves or avoids are called “sensory preferences”. When you recognize and work with your child’s
sensory preferences, you can create situations that make it easier (and more fun!) for them to interact with you.
A great way you can do this is with something called “people games”.
What are people games?
People games are simple, repetitive routines that require at least two people, but no toys (think Peekaboo,
chase, and tickle games). Your child should naturally enjoy people games as they should grow out of their
own unique sensory preferences – whether it’s movement, touch, sound, music, or sight that they crave. But
there are other advantages too: people games have their own built-in structure and are usually played the
same way each time. The predictable structure in people games means that they’re a great way to help your
child to interact, play with you and learn to do new things.
Example: Chase and Tickle
Owen loves to run. His dad, Devin always plays chase with him the same way.
He starts the game with his arms up, saying ‘Daddy’s going to get Owen’.
The chase begins and then ends with Devin saying, ‘Got you!’ followed by some
tickles. This game is very predictable for Owen. He knows what to expect and
has even learned to ask Devin for the tickles or to start the game again.
You might already be playing people games with your child without even realizing it!
Some common examples include:
• Hide and Seek • Songs (e.g. “Ring Around the Rosie” or
“Zoom Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the
• Peekaboo
Moon”)
• Horsey rides (e.g. riding around on an
• Finger games (e.g. “Where is Thumbkin?”,
adult’s back)
“This Little Piggy”, or “Round and Round
the Garden”)
These are just a few options. There are many more! And you can even make up your own people games.
© Hanen Early Language Program, 2019.
Tips for choosing people games to play with your child
The best way to create a people game is to observe your child and then join in on what they're doing, turning it into a
game. It’s important to notice what they really like to do. Once you determine the sensations that your child really likes,
it’s time to think of a people game that might include those sensations.
Here are just a few examples:
For a child that enjoys... Try...
Running Chase or tag
Spinning “Ring Around the Rosie”, or spinning in a revolving office chair
Jumping Place pillows on the floor and pretend you are frogs, taking turns
hopping from one pillow to the next.
The feel of soft fabrics or textures Peekaboo using a soft blanket or tickles with a feather
Watching their hands or fingers move Fingerplay games like “This Little Piggy” or “Where is Thumbkin?”
Deep pressure or strong hugs Giving a big hug each time you catch them in a chase game
Music or sound Singing songs, humming or dancing to music with your child
Help your child interact and communicate in your people game
Play your game all the way through many times and use the same main words and actions as you play. Once your child
knows the game well, you can begin to pause at key moments in the game and WAIT for a response: when you wait, your
child has a chance to join in by touching you, smiling, doing an action, looking at you, or even saying something. For
example, let’s say you’re bouncing your child on your knee. After a few bounces, stop suddenly and wait with an
expectant look on your face. This will encourage your child to send you a message to let you know they want to be
bounced again. Remember to play the game all the way through many times before you start waiting so they have a
chance to learn what comes next!
These ideas are from the Hanen More Than Words® guidebook for parents
of children on the autism spectrum or with social communication difficulties.
Learn more at www.hanen.org/MTWguidebook
About The Hanen Centre
The Hanen Centre is a Canadian not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the best possible
language, literacy and social skills in young children. This includes children who have or are at risk for
language delays, those on the autism spectrum and those who are developing typically. For more
information, visit www.hanen.org.
© Hanen Early Language Program, 2018. /thehanencentre
