Taming Tactile Sensory Sensitivities
It’s summertime and that means bathing suits, bare feet, sunscreen, and bug spray. Is your child sensitive or aversive to any of these sensations? Try these tips and tricks to decrease sensitivities for more fun in the sun this summer.
What is Tactile Sensitivity
Tactile sensitivities are when an individual finds certain touch inputs noxious or unpleasant. Some people may experience this when touching something they don’t like the texture of such as mud, chalk, lotion, raw meat or whatever it may be.
Refusal to wear certain clothing or textures, rubbing or scratching out a spot that has been touched, or having a disproportionally big reactions to being touched may all indicate tactile sensitivities. Occupational therapy services may be necessary when this aversion begins to impact our ability to participate in daily activities.
Tips to Help Decrease Tactile Sensitivities
Move the whole body before transitioning into a non-preferred outfit or applying bug spray/sunscreen.
Before changing into the challenging outfit such as into a bathing suit or out of a bathing suit into clothes, try full body movements. Gross motor movement helps regulate the sensory system, improve body awareness, and promote a focused, alert state for verbal instructions and challenging sensations.
Create an obstacle course to get the clothing item or spray using pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals placed on the floor or try the Floor is Lava. Simon Says is a great tool to incorporate regulating vestibular and proprioceptive input by having players complete gross motor movements such as jumping on two feet, hopping on one foot, skipping, turning in a circle, etc... Have the game end with putting on the next outfit, sticking out one arm for sunscreen/bug spray application, or accomplishing any task. As the child gets used to the game, incorporate two and three step Simon Says tasks to maintain engagement through the just right challenge, working memory and direction following.
Utilize sensory bins to desensitize hands and feet
Try creating different sensory bins and placing hands and even the feet inside. Sensory bin use can help decrease a child’s sensitivity to bare feet on the grass/sand, tolerance of messy play or even the sensation of socks over time.
Try vibration prior to outfit changes or sunscreen application
Try this handheld massager on the arms, legs, feet, back, head, and even gently on the face intermittently throughout the day and before sunscreen/bug spray application or an outfit change. If walking barefoot on grass or sand is challenging for you or your kiddo, spend some extra time on the feet to desensitize the nerves. The vibration input is so strong, it overpowers the senses so that whatever input comes next may feel less intense.
Contact an occupational therapist about therapeutic brushing
Sensory brushing is a technique using a specific brush to promote desensitization to tactile inputs over time. Contact a licensed occupational therapist before utilizing this technique.
