Tactile difficulties occur when the nervous system dysfunctions and the brain is unable to process information through the senses. Some children and adults with this form of sensory processing disorder will be over sensitive to touch. Between 5 to 13 percent of the population is diagnosed with sensory processing disorder.
Common Signs of Tactile Difficulties
- Difficulty with having nails cut or teeth brushed
- Becomes upset when hair is washed
- Dislikes any clothing with tags including clothes, hats, shoes, and complains about the type of fabric and the style
- Dislikes getting their hands dirty or messy
- Overreacts when they are touched by other people
- Oversensitive to temperature change
- Over or under reacts to pain
- Prefers deep pressure touch rather than light touch
- Avoids messy textures
- Prefers pants and long sleeves in hot weather
- Picky eater
- Eyes may be sensitive to cold wind
- Avoids walking barefoot
- Avoids standing close to other people
- May be anxious when physically close to other people
Strategies for Handling Tactile Defensiveness
- Use deep pressure
- use weighted items including blankets, vest and backpacks
- Seek out an OT
- Utilize a sensory diet
- Minimize time expected to stand and wait in line by having the child go first or last in line
- Allow the child to wear a jacket indoors
- Encourage the child to brush his or her body with a natural brush during bath time
- Create activities using play doh or silly putty
References
Sensory Processing Disorder.com
Chu, Sidney (1999), Tactile Defensiveness: Information for parents and professionals
