Tactile Defensiveness... So THAT'S Why He Acts That Way!

bare feet touching grass or sand

Many children with tactile defensiveness will only use their fingertips (if they even DO touch certain things) when playing with sand, glue, paint, play-doh, food, glitter etc. Consequently, their play is limited and so is their ability to engage in learning experiences.

Children may become fearful, avoid activities, withdraw, or act out as their body responds with a "fight-or-flight" response.

Why does this happen? It's all about the way in which one's nervous system interprets touch sensations and stimulation. I suspect you too would react with a "fight back" or "flee" response if any of the above listed items to YOU felt like sandpaper rubbing against your skin or 10 spiders crawling up your arm that you can't get off.

It is not their fault! It is absolutely 100% about the WAY in which their nervous system interprets a tactile stimulus! Please don't blame them or punish them...be proactive and help them get the treatment and accommodations they need!

(Note: It is not uncommon for a child with tactile defensiveness to become aggressive towards other children if they are touched or bumped into at school. Be aware of this type of reaction and be proactive by putting them in the front or end of a line, for example).

To date, the best two treatments available to help decrease tactile defensiveness are The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol and the use of deep pressure/weighted products (links to both are provided below).

A child with tactile defensiveness needs to be in OT! They need to have the underlying sensory defensiveness addressed in order to achieve the proper developmental milestones and social interactions necessary. It will not go away on it's own! If you need "proof", read "Karen's Story". (By the way, Karen just started OT including the brushing protocol; her defensiveness is finally beginning to subside!)

Coupled with OT, a good sensory diet and home program will help. You will find  some ideas for activities/games/products to use and "how" to use them below.

It is our goal to introduce tactile experiences slowly and gradually as the child is ready to experience them, so this defensive/aversive reaction is avoided!

A child with tactile defensiveness should never be forced to touch anything they do not want to, as this will cause further apprehension and avoidance.

It is up to us to encourage, explain, understand and communicate with the child as we attempt to introduce touch sensations to them in a safe and non-threatening way.

Suggestions For Tactile Experiences & Input (or accommodations):

"Glop"... which is homemade with cornstarch and water

Check Out A Huge List Of Play Doh Recipes; A Fun Way To "Treat" Tactile Defensiveness!

After he begins to feel safe, slowly encourage him to try other fun ways which you model... splatting it, poking, pulling, rolling etc. Eventually encourage the use of the whole hand (including palm).