Tactile

Types of Touch

Light Touch

This is often the most upsetting type of touch for children with sensory processing differences. It includes: 

• Soft touches from others 

• Certain clothing textures 

• Feeling grass, sand, or dirt 

• Washing the face or hair 

• Brushing teeth 

• Food textures in the mouth 

Tactile Processing

Understanding the Sense of Touch

Tactile receptors are found not only on the skin but also inside the mouth, throat, digestive system, and ear canals. These receptors pick up different types of touch and send signals to the brain through the central nervous system

Deep Pressure 

This type of touch is usually more tolerable. It includes: 

• Bear hugs 

• Massage 

• Banging or crashing 

• Rolling and bouncing 

Deep pressure also gives helpful feedback to muscles and joints.

Vibration

Vibrating toys or appliances can be alarming for some children. 

Temperature

Some children react strongly to temperature changes. For example: 

• A lukewarm bath may feel too hot 

• Some crave freezing cold food 

• Others prefer very hot meals 

Pain

Children may react differently to pain: 

• Some are distressed by small scrapes 

• Others may not notice serious injuries

Tactile Defensive Behaviours

Children may show tactile defensiveness if they: 

• Avoid face washing or touching 

• React strongly to haircuts or nail trimming 

• Pull away from hugs or friendly touches 

• Dislike being touched while dressing 

• Avoid physical contact with friends 

• Feel threatened when approached from behind 

• Get upset when people stand too close 

• Prefer long sleeves or jackets even when warm 

• Avoid certain textures or fabrics 

• Dislike messy play (e.g. sand, paint, paste) 

Tactile Adaptation

Most people quickly get used to touch sensations. For example, we stop noticing our socks after a few minutes. But children with tactile differences may stay aware of these sensations for hours. Their brain treats the feeling as new each time. 

Learning and Touch

Touch helps us use our hands and fingers. It supports: 

• Handwriting 

• Buttoning clothes 

• Tying shoelaces 

• Using cutlery 

It helps us know: 

• How much pressure to use 

• What objects feel like 

• Temperature awareness 

Tactile defensiveness can distract children from learning. Their brain focuses on touch sensations that don’t need attention.

When There Are Tactile Processing Problems

Under-Sensitive

• Holds others tightly before feeling pressure 

• Has a high pain threshold 

• May not feel food in the mouth 

• May self-harm 

• Enjoys heavy objects like weighted blankets 

• Smears faeces for texture 

• Chews on clothing or inedible items 

Helpful strategies: 

• Offer safe textures like jelly or cornflour and water 

• Provide chewable items like latex-free tubes, straws, or chilled hard sweets

Over-Sensitive

• Finds touch painful or uncomfortable 

• Dislikes anything on hands or feet 

• Struggles with hair brushing or washing 

• Avoids certain food textures 

• Only wears specific clothing types 

Helpful strategies: 

• Warn before touching and approach from the front 

• Avoid hugs if they cause discomfort 

• Change food textures (e.g. purée) 

• Introduce textures slowly (e.g. flannel, toothbrush, different foods) 

• Use a texture box for exploration 

• Let the child do tasks themselves (e.g. brushing hair) 

• Turn clothes inside out to remove seams 

• Remove tags or labels 

• Let the child wear clothes they find comfortable