Tactile Sensory Processing

What Is Tactile Sensory Processing?

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.

Hyperresponsive Tactile Input Child

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. 

Hyporesponsive Tactile Input Child

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.

Signs Of Tactile Sensory Processing To Look For

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, or hugs	Seems to always be messy or dirty
May walk on toes

How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Tactile Sensitivity

Occupational Therapy (OT) can help children with tactile sensory processing difficulties better engage in activities at home, school, and in the community. OT can decrease tactile avoidance and tactile seeking behaviors by presenting opportunities for play combined with tactile experiences; expand food repertoire by introducing new food textures; provide sensory integration strategies to increase sensory input into other sensory systems that may help to regulate the tactile system; and work with parents and caregivers to educate about activities to try at home.

Parent Resources

Parent Support Facebook Group: search “Support for Sensory Needs” and click “Join group.”

Ideas to Try at Home with Your Child

Hyperresponsive:

• Deep pressure (not light touch)
• Messy play activities (finger paint, play-doh)
• Sensory bins (Toys/objects in rice, beans, sand, etc)

Hyporesponsive:

• Squishing between pillows
• Tight clothing
• Toys that vibrate