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Play is a child’s main occupation — it’s how they learn, grow, and develop critical skills like sequencing, executive functioning, and social interaction. But what happens when a child doesn’t engage with the types of play activities we expect them to enjoy?
In this episode, we dive into a real-life scenario with a non-speaking autistic child whose family is struggling to connect through play.
We’ll explore:
Why some children reject certain play activities
How to identify thetypes of play a child enjoys most
Ways to weave preferred play into daily routines
Building rapport and connection first, while gently challenging skills
Practical, sensory-rich play ideas you can try at home
Our goal is to help families, therapists, and caregivers reframe their perspective of play and focus on connection over perfection.
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
If you've ever sat across from a child who refuses to play with a puzzle or pushes away every toy you offer, you're not alone. For many parents and therapists, engaging non-speaking or sensory-seeking children in play can feel like solving a puzzle without all the pieces.
But here's the good news: there's no one "right" way to play. And when we shift our perspective, play becomes not only possible—but powerful.
Traditional play activities—think puzzles, board games, or cause-and-effect toys—often require a level of executive function that some children haven’t yet developed. These activities ask for attention, planning, and sometimes verbal communication.
For a child who is non-speaking or sensory-seeking, these demands can be overwhelming and dysregulating. Rather than labeling a child as uninterested in play, it's more helpful to recognize that the type of play needs to be adjusted to meet their sensory and developmental needs.
For sensory seekers and many autistic children, play that involves the whole body is more than fun—it's regulating. Activities that offer vestibular input (like swinging or spinning) and proprioceptive input (like crashing into pillows or squeezing into a Lycra tunnel) can help calm and organize the nervous system.
Try:
Jumping on a trampoline.
Scooter pulling games.
Messy play with water, shaving cream, or sand.
Interactive swinging games.
Singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in a Lycra tube.
When a child laughs, smiles, or looks into your eyes during these activities, it's a signal: their nervous system is regulated, and they feel safe enough to connect.
Once a child is regulated and engaged, the door opens for learning. The goal isn't to replace sensory play with "higher-level" tasks, but to embed those tasks into activities the child already enjoys.
For example:
Add a two-step direction to a scooter game: "First knock down the blocks, then bring back the beanbag."
Use turn-taking language during a crash pad game: "Your turn to jump, then mine!"
Practice sequencing by creating obstacle courses with multiple steps.
When a child is regulated, connection grows. And when connection grows, executive function skills can begin to develop in meaningful, joyful ways.
Many adults were taught that structured, educational play was the gold standard, but the landscape of occupational therapy and neurodiversity-affirming care has shifted. Rather than forcing a child into a play style that doesn't serve them, we now know to follow their lead, lean into their interests, and join their world.
Yes, even if that world includes lining up cars, spinning in circles, or jumping repeatedly. This isn't permissiveness.
It's partnership and building trust and co-regulation. It's honoring the way this child experiences joy and engagement.
Play is most powerful when it’s shared. Parents don’t need hours of extra time or a bin full of new toys.
What matters most is the connection. Just five to ten minutes of interactive sensory play can:
Build rapport.
Promote regulation.
Support development.
Try this at home:
Jump on the trampoline with your child.
Swing together using a Harkla sensory swing.
Do a scooter pull while collecting puzzle pieces.
Splash together in a water bin or bathtub.
As parents ourselves, we know how busy life gets. But we also know that moments of shared laughter and movement can reset the day—for both the child and the adult.
In one recent case, a non-speaking autistic child repeatedly pushed away puzzles and cause-and-effect toys. The parents feared he was bored, but in therapy, the child was laughing, engaging, and making eye contact during activities like crashing, spinning, and bouncing.
The therapist provided the family with a handout of specific sensory play activities the child enjoyed. These activities weren’t just play—they became the bridge to connection, regulation, and eventually, skill-building.
If your child isn’t into puzzles or prefers jumping over coloring, that’s okay. True play isn’t about meeting expectations—it’s about creating moments of connection.
When we follow our child’s lead and join them in their world, we foster regulation, trust, and joy. And in those moments of shared laughter and movement, real growth begins.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links & make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews & comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair & balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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