The tactile system receives information from the environment around us through receptors on our skin that receive touch. Our body then is able to interpret this information and decide how to respond to it. Tactile sensory processing is necessary to develop skills needed for daily activities and social relationships. When the brain has difficulties understanding and responding to tactile information, it may be expressed as hyperresponsiveness or hyporesponsiveness.
If a child is hyperresponsive to tactile input, their brain is too easily excited by touch, and they may display tactile avoidance behaviors. They feel every little touch and are unable to ignore it. Different food or clothing textures, messy play, and physical contact may be irritating or even painful to these children.
If a child is hyporesponsive to tactile input, their brain needs more touch in order to know how to respond appropriately. They may display tactile-seeking behaviors. These children may touch everything in sight, seem to always be messy, or constantly want physical contact.
Hyperresponsive / Avoidance Behaviors | Hyporesponsive / Seeking Behaviors |
Doesn’t like getting dirty or messy play | Constantly touches others (hits, pushes) |
Doesn’t like certain clothing / textures, seams in socks or tight clothing | Likes to put objects inn mouth |
Picky eater | Likes to touch everything |
Distressed by hair brushing or hair washing | Unaware of being touched by someone else |
May fear physical contact, being tickled |