Imagine spending the day in a shirt made of scratchy burlap. Your shoes are two sizes too small, and there’s an industrial-sized fan blowing directly in your face. When you try to eat a bowl of cereal, the texture is like gravel in your mouth, and when you brush your teeth it feels like steel wool against your gums.
This is what tactile dysfunction can feel like. The word “tactile” refers to the sense of touch, and tactile dysfunction (also known as tactile sensitivity) is a form of sensory dysfunction that causes that sense to be heightened to the point of discomfort or even pain.
Children with tactile dysfunction feel certain sensations more strongly than most people do. What might be a minor annoyance to one person can be extremely uncomfortable for a person with tactile sensitivity. Shoes that are laced a bit too snugly might feel as if they’re painfully tight; certain fabrics can feel scratchy; the textures of some foods can be so off-putting that your child can’t eat them at all. If your child has a tactile dysfunction, he may be very sensitive to heat and cold, or to the sensation of water or wind hitting his skin.
Kids with tactile sensitivity might show the following signs:
- Complaining about clothing or shoes, even though they seem to fit fine and are made out of fabrics that are usually comfortable
- Objecting to having their hair cut or combed, or having their teeth brushed
- Dislikes getting dirty
- Dislikes activities such as finger painting or playing with “squishy” art supplies such as modeling dough or clay
- Appearing to be “picky eaters” because certain food textures are hard to tolerate
- Flinching or turning away when the wind blows against their face
- Complaining about mild changes in temperature: feeling too hot or too cold when the air is actually temperate.
It’s important to note that children who have a tactile dysfunction aren’t just being difficult or picky. These sensations on their skin are very real; they simply process those sensations differently than other people do. Tactile dysfunction can cause delays in your child’s development, but with the help of a qualified occupational therapist, those delays can be addressed and often corrected. Children learn by playing and exploring, and tactile sensitivity can make that difficult, even for kids who really want to be out there doing those things. An occupational therapist will work with you and your child to develop a plan to increase tolerance to different tactile sensations. The goal is to make the world feel better to your child, so that he can be as comfortable as possible as he learns and grows.
If you think your child might have a tactile dysfunction, let’s talk about scheduling an evaluation with an occupational therapist. We’re here to help.
Tactile Dysfunction
-April Fox, Staff Writer
Carolina Pediatric Therapy © May 2014
FAQs
Children who are over-responsive to tactile touch may show signs like avoiding messy play, struggling wearing socks or shoes, have difficulty with hair washing. They might also disliking giving or receiving hugs, as well as tolerating holding hands during transitions.
How do I know if my child has sensory processing issues? ›
Signs of sensory processing disorder include sudden mood swings and strange behavior. Kids with sensory issues might avoid bright lights or loud noises, run around crashing into things, throw tantrums, or appear clumsy.
Can a child grow out of Sensory Processing Disorder? ›
Some kids grow out of these issues completely. Some kids, especially autistic kids, have them their whole lives. But as they get older, they usually learn to cope with many of the things that bothered them as young kids. Sometimes as people grow up, they're more able to handle distress than they were as kids.
How to treat SPD in kids? ›
Sensory integration therapy, usually conducted by an occupational or physical therapist, is often recommended for children who have sensory processing disorder. It focuses on activities that challenge the child with sensory input. The therapist then helps the child respond appropriately to this sensory stimulus.
What to do if you think your child has sensory processing issues? ›
I think my child has sensory processing challenges. Now what?
- Learn about sensory processing challenges — including myths. ...
- Look for what triggers your child's behavior. ...
- Find out what's happening at school. ...
- Talk openly about challenges. ...
- Let your child know it's OK. ...
- Know where to go for answers.
Although they sound similar, sensory processing difficulties can be present without autism. Often children or adults with other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions such as Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can also exhibit Sensory Processing Disorder.
What is the root cause of sensory processing disorder? ›
Genetic: Preliminary research suggests that sensory processing disorder can be inherited, although no genetic markers have yet been identified. Physical: Experiments have shown that individuals who experience sensory processing dysfunction have abnormal brain activity when exposed to certain stimuli.
Is SPD considered special needs? ›
While SPD may affect the child's auditory, visual, and motor skills, and the ability to process and sequence information, it is not, at present, specifically identified as a qualifying disability, making a child eligible for special education and related services.
What makes sensory issues worse? ›
Anticipation, fatigue, and stress can all contribute to a sensory overload experience, making senses feel heightened during panic attacks and PTSD episodes. Fibromyalgia is related to abnormal sensory processing.
What happens if SPD is left untreated? ›
Left untreated, SPD can be debilitating for some children. They may struggle in school, be socially isolated and misunderstood by others. Children with SPD are often misdiagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which prevents them from getting the right kind of treatment.
Certain movements may make the pain worse: Walking (you may notice a clicking sound when you walk). Bending forward. Going up or down stairs.
How do you discipline a child with sensory issues? ›
Rather than punish them for engaging in a behavior, redirect them to another activity that stimulates their senses in a similar way. Explain why it's a better choice than the other behavior. You can eliminate undesired behavior without shaming or punishing them.
How to test a child for sensory processing disorder? ›
The screening will normally consist of an evaluation of standardised testing and structured observations of the child's response to sensory stimulation, balance, coordination, posture and eye movements.
How do I calm down my sensory processing disorder? ›
Using noise-cancelling headphones to vastly reduce external sound, which can help to stop sensory overload. Weighted sensory products, such as blankets or vests, to provide pressure and soothing proprioceptive input. Avoiding open questions – if you need their input on something, aim to use closed yes/no questions.
How to calm a sensory seeking child? ›
ACTIVITIES CAN BE ALERTING OR CALMING:
trampoline. involve pushing, pulling, carrying and activities where your child needs to weight bear through their hands or legs such as tug of war or carrying a bundle of books to a table. A combination of both types of activities are of benefit to include in your child's day.
How do they test for Sensory Processing Disorder? ›
Currently the standardised assessment tool used to diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. This consists of 17 tests that are used to test several aspects of sensory processing.
What does a sensory processing issue look like in early childhood? ›
Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to things that overstimulate their senses, such as loud environments, bright lights, or intense smells. Or, they may seek out additional stimulation in settings that don't stimulate their senses enough.
What does sensory seeking behavior look like? ›
These individuals often crave sensory input and may engage in activities that provide intense sensations or stimuli. Some common examples of sensory seeking behaviors include seeking out loud noises, seeking tactile stimulation, or engaging in repetitive movements.
