Many autistic children — especially nonspeaking or minimally speaking kids — learn best through connection, predictability, and shared joy, not through drills or pressure to talk. One of the most effective ways to build these foundations is through people games.

People games are simple, predictable, face‑to‑face interactions that don’t rely on toys or materials. Think: peek‑a‑boo, chase, tickles, swinging, bouncing on a knee, silly faces, songs with motions — anything that’s fun, shared, and repeatable.

These games are powerful because they build the social architecture that language grows on.

Why do these work?

1. They build connection before communication

Many autistic children communicate more when they feel safe, regulated, and connected. People games create warm, predictable moments where the child learns: “Being with you feels good. I want to stay in this interaction.”

This is the foundation for all later communication.

2. They encourage initiation naturally

Because the game is fun and predictable, children often begin to:

• lean in
• look at you
• reach toward you
• smile
• vocalize
• sign or use AAC
• hand you an object to “start it again”

These are initiations — even if they’re not words.

3. They support joint attention without forcing it

Joint attention is hard for many autistic children when it’s demanded. But in a joyful, shared game, it emerges naturally because the child wants to stay connected.

4. They increase engagement and time spent in interaction

People games are short, fun, and repetitive — the perfect recipe for sustained engagement. The child learns the pattern and begins to anticipate what comes next.

Anticipation = engagement. Engagement = communication opportunities.

5. They create predictable “slots” for communication

Because the game has a rhythm, there are natural moments where the child can:

• request “again”
• gesture “go”
• look at you to continue
• vocalize with excitement
• use AAC to say “more,” “stop,” “help,” “my turn,” etc.

These moments are communication gold.

6. They reduce pressure and increase success

There’s no right answer. No testing. No demands. Just shared joy.

When pressure goes down, communication goes up.

What are some examples of games you can do at home?

Movement & Sensory Games

• Swinging in your arms
• Swinging in a blanket (two adults holding the ends)
• Piggy‑back rides
• Being lifted into the air (“Up… up… UP!”)
• Being gently tossed onto a bed or crash pad
• Bouncing on your knee
• Spinning gently while holding hands
• Chase games (run → stop dramatically → wait)

Action Songs & Nursery Rhymes

• Pat‑a‑cake
• Ring Around the Rosey
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• The Wheels on the Bus
• If You’re Happy and You Know It
• Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

These songs have predictable motions and natural pauses.

Finger Games

• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Open, Shut Them
• Five Little Monkeys
• This Little Piggy

Finger games are great for visual attention and anticipation.

Classic Social Games

• Peek‑a‑boo
• Tickles
• Silly faces
• “Ready… set… ____” (leave a blank)
• Blowing raspberries or making funny noises

How to Use People Games Effectively

This is the part parents often need most — how to actually do it in a way that supports communication.

1. Be consistent

Use the same words, motions, and rhythm each time. Predictability helps the child learn the pattern and anticipate what comes next.

2. Pause and wait

This is the magic. Pause before the exciting part — the swing, the tickle, the “fall down,” the lift.

Wait 3–5 seconds. Look expectantly. Give the child space to respond in any way.

3. Follow the child’s interests

If they love movement, use movement. If they love songs, use songs. If they love sensory input, build games around that.

Interest = engagement. Engagement = communication.

4. Start with actions, not words

If a child isn’t yet imitating sounds or words, start with:

• body movements
• gestures
• facial expressions
• simple motions
• predictable actions

Children often imitate actions long before they imitate sounds.

5. Celebrate all communication attempts

A look, a reach, a smile, a wiggle, a vocalization — it all counts.

Respond as if they said, “Do it again!”

6. Keep it short and fun

People games work best in small bursts. Stop while the child is still enjoying it so they want to come back for more.

What to Look For (These All Count as Communication!)

• Eye gaze
• Reaching
• Leaning in
• Smiling
• Handing you something
• Moving closer
• Vocalizing
• Signing
• Using AAC
• Repeating a movement
• Anticipatory body language

• initiate interactions
• stay engaged
• build joint attention
• communicate intentionally
• feel connected and successful

Connection comes first. Communication grows from connection.