GLOSSARY · Sensory & Neurodivergent Play
Parallel Play
Being present and engaged at the same table without needing constant back-and-forth interaction — a completely legitimate way to enjoy a game night.
Detailed definition
Parallel play is when people are genuinely together — same table, same activity, same evening — without it requiring constant direct interaction to count. It gets talked about most with toddlers, but plenty of older kids and adults, neurodivergent or not, connect just fine this way too: side by side, sharing the moment, without needing a running conversation to prove it.
A roll-and-write game is a good example built right into the mechanics — everyone rolls the same shared dice but fills in their own personal sheet, quietly, at their own pace. Nobody’s waiting on anybody, and nobody has to perform enthusiasm to be having a good time.
Want everyone in the room, doing their own thing?
Questions about how this applies to your situation? Ask us directly and we will give you a straight answer.