FREE Downloadable PDF Linked Below
—
FREE Downloadable PDF Linked Below —
Tactile Defensiveness
Some People Are More Sensitive
In addition to the important role of our touch (or tactile) system (discussed in the "tactile perception parent page"), another critical aspect of this sense is its protective function. Our tactile sense alerts us when something is sharp, hot, cold, or in some other way may present a danger.
We learn to "notice" those things which may represent harm or danger and respond by moving away from them. For some individuals, reactions to touch are exaggerated, and for others, reactions which should be present to potentially dangerous things (e.g., things that are hot or painful) are not present.
Dr. A. Jean Ayres described hyper or overreactivity to touch as "tactile defensiveness." An individual with hyperreactivity to touch or "tactile defensiveness" may appear to overreact to sensation that most people might not particularly notice, or at least are not bothered by. Common signs of tactile defensiveness include: sensitivity to certain types of clothes or fabrics; preference or aversion to foods which seems most related to the texture of the food (e.g., avoidance of smooth and creamy foods or irritation in response to crunchy or lumpy foods); avoidance of touching substances such as finger paint or mud, or of getting one's hands messy; avoidance of walking barefoot on particular surfaces such as sand or grass; a greater than normal resistance to having teeth brushed, hair combed, or face washed; and/or a tendency to prefer to touch rather than be touched, especially when the touch is unexpected.
Because we do not usually think much about our sense of touch or realize that some people are more "sensitive" than others, many of these behaviors are often attributed to personality, emotional make-up, or behavioral tendencies. However, enough cases of tactile defensiveness have been documented for us to be confident that this is a sensory-based condition which can create a great deal of discomfort and even turmoil for the individuals who experience it and their families. Our sense of touch is closely tied to our emotions.
“Children who experience this condition are often described as irritable, withdrawn, weepy, angry, etc.”
Perceiving frequent discomfort through this sensory system is likely to make an individual demonstrate emotionally potent reactions. Thus, children who experience this condition are often described as irritable, withdrawn, weepy, angry, etc. It's difficult to pay attention if a person is thinking about how clothes feel, or how bothersome it feels when someone touches them, e.g., while standing in line. Individuals who have this condition can cope with it better at some times than they are able at other times. Stresses such as fatigue, illness, anxiety, and even hunger often make the defensive reactions more severe. Therapy aimed at reducing tactile defensiveness attempts to gradually elicit more regulated reactions to various tactile sensations.
The goal is to normalize the way the nervous system registers and interprets touch information and to develop productive coping strategies for understanding and living with increased sensitivity.
What You Can Do To Help
The following are ways you may be able to help your child or other members of your family who seem to display tactile defensiveness:
Light, ticklish touch is usually the most irritating. When you touch your child, attempt to use moderately firm and constant pressure, versus light touch. You may be able to help your child avoid the irritation of light touch by asking the teacher if your child can stand at the front or back of lines or at the end of a reading circle at school rather than in the middle.
Firm, consistent pressure tends to override the tactile irritation that some children experience with light touch. This is why we naturally rub something that hurts and it is probably how hugging developed, as hugs provide consistent touch pressure.
Firm massage, pressure (as in wrapping: the arms or legs with a stretchy material such as lycra) and gently "sandwiching" the child's body gently between cushions may be helpful (be careful to keep the child's head exposed and to only apply the amount of pressure the child wants).
Pay attention to which types of clothing, play substances or social situations (e.g., walking through a crowded mall) seem to elicit negative reactions from your child. Until the problem is alleviated, try to avoid irritating situations (e.g., let your child wear all cotton clothes if that is preferred).
Avoid power struggles over this unless safety or some other critical issue is involved. It is easy to think that the child with tactile defensiveness is trying to manipulate you or purposefully make your life difficult. Believe children when they try to tell you something hurts. There is a good chance that it does.
Any sudden or significant change in behavior should always be checked. Children with issues around sleep, digestion, allergies, and other medically based conditions might show increased irritability, including tactile sensitivity.
Be sure that other possible conditions are considered and fully evaluated before assuming that these behaviors are sensory in nature.
If your child is struggling in ways you think could be related to the ideas presented here, seek an assessment with an occupational therapist who is qualified to assess all aspects of sensory integration or, if your child has received an assessment and is receiving intervention, ask your therapist if any of these ideas may be helpful for your child; your therapist may provide additional suggestions as well.
Free Downloadable PDFs
Tactile Defensiveness: Some People Are More Sensitive© is part of a series of “Parent Pages” on the topic of sensory integration written by Zoe Mailloux, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. This document may be reprinted for educational purposes with full title and copyright information included.