Introduction

[Jessica]

Children who have tactile defensiveness are sensitive to touch sensations and can be easily overwhelmed by, and fearful of, ordinary daily experiences and activities.

Sensory defensiveness can prevent a child from play and interactions critical to learning and social interactions.

Often, children with tactile defensiveness (hypersensitivity to touch/tactile input) will avoid touching, become fearful of, or bothered by the following:
# textured materials/items
# "messy" things
# vibrating toys, etc.
# a hug
# a kiss
# certain clothing textures
# rough or bumpy bed sheets
# seams on socks ( click here to find out about seamless socks )
# tags on shirts
# light touch
# hands or face being dirty
# shoes and/or sandals
# wind blowing on bare skin
#

bare feet touching grass or sand

[Alison Kiser]

My dd has tactile defensiveness. She dislikes physical touch unless she initiates it, is very picky about the way clothes feel, didn't used to like the feel of sand or grass on her feet, likes socks on a certain way and so on.

[Patty K.]

Another good thing to consider is senosry defenisveness can result in aggressive behaviors. My son is tactile defensive and will push other students away to avoid being bumped into accidently. Sometimes unwanted behaviors that develop are done to protect themselves from unwanted interactions with other people. When we are at socal gatherings he backs himself into a corner to play to avoid people touching him. I have learned to slow down and investigate why he is acting up in a social situation or even at home with his brother. Sometimes he is just overstimulated and tired. I have learned to be proactive and understanding how someone bumping into to him is like being hit. It may not be a big deal but to his senses it is. Just something to add.

[Patty K.]

I am having the hardest time with potty training. He does not like the underware. We are using a combination underware with the diaper over (for sanitary reasons/especially at school). It is a bit of a struggle. If he is having a tough day he does not like them other times he is fine. This has been a difficult transition for him.