Tactile sensory processing.. most of you are probably thinking, well it's our sense of touch, DUH! You are correct! But... there is a little more to it.
Tactile processing is our ability to sense touch, pressure, texture, temperature and movement across the skin. Our skin is the largest sensory organ on our bodies therefore it plays a big role in development. There are millions of receptors in/on the skin to tell our brain what we are feeling, where we felt it, protect vital organs, etc. Efficient tactile sensory processing/integration is very essential for body awareness (creating a map of our bodies), survival skills, self-regulation, motor development and social engagement/interaction.
Fun facts about tactile processing:
We start developing tactile receptors in utero (as early as 7.5 weeks) WOAH!
Studies show babies/children are susceptible to tactile processing difficulties if mom's are exposed to stress/increased cortisol levels while pregnant
Tactile integration is very important for attachment and bonding (hence importance of skin to skin contact with baby and mom at birth)
Vital for survival skills (eating, eliminating imminent danger, etc)
4 different kinds of tactile receptors on/in skin, connective tissue over muscles and joints
Somatosensory processing involves proprioceptive and tactile systems
What does optimal functioning (integrated) tactile processing look like?
Able to tolerate and interact with different textures (clothing, foods, craft/play materials)
Participates in grooming/hygiene routines with no adverse reactions/negative behaviors
Have good sense of body awareness
Age appropriate gross and fine motor skills
Engages in various age appropriate messy/texture play activities without negative reactions (sand, water, clay/dough, etc)
Tactile modulation vs discrimination dysfunction:
We touched on the differences between modulation and discrimination in our sensory processing 101 post. Head back over there if you need a little refresher!
Modulation:
Over responsive:
Significant reactions to different textures such as but not limited to: clothing, food, sand, grass, water, etc.
Avoids messy play activities, or being messy during mealtimes
Have a limited food repertoire
Low pain tolerance
Dislike standing in line/too close to others
Pull away from or have big reactions to light/unexpected touch
Avoid grooming and hygiene tasks
Under responsive:
May struggle with appropriate social boundaries/ stand too close to others
Clumsy coordination with their fingers/manipulating objects
Difficulty with force modulation
Have high pain tolerance
Craving:
Needs to touch everything to learn more about it
Seeks out rough housing
Enjoys making messes/messy play
Can touch others to the point of bothering them
Discrimination:
Poor body scheme/awareness
Difficulty with praxis (motor planning)
Delayed/difficulty with gross motor skills
Poor fine motor coordination and in-hand manipulation skills
Poor social skills/interaction
Difficulty with self-regulation
What are some signs to look for if you think there is poor tactile processing/integration?
*(not all children will display each sign)
Unable to tolerate clothing (tags, socks, shoes, long vs short sleeves/pants, etc)
May wear the same outfit multiple days in a row- meltdown when they change clothes
Struggles to tolerate seasonal clothing changes
Difficulty with grooming/hygiene routines (bathing, hair brushing/washing, hair/nail cutting, teeth brushing, etc)
Limited foods in diet; less willing to try new or mixed textures
Avoids messy play/craft projects (finger paint, paste, sand, clay/dough, etc)
Difficulty with attention/academic learning
Poor fine motor development/ in-hand manipulation skills
Lower or higher than average pain tolerance
Difficulty with age appropriate social skills
Pulls away when others try to touch/hug them
Strong emotional reactions to others touching them
Difficult to calm/soothe
If you think your child is struggling with tactile sensory processing it never hurts to get evaluated by a licensed and trained occupational therapist with experience with sensory integration theory, assessment and treatment. If you think there is an issue, you are more than likely right! Trust your gut and intuition. Remember, you know your child best!
A lot of times kids with tactile processing difficulties have poor self-regulation and attention. Why you may ask, because they are so focused on holding it together because of the way things feel on their bodies. Be patient, kind and understanding with these kiddos. They are not intentionally trying to be difficult/defiant. Challenge yourself to think about what is 'causing' the behaviors you are seeing. For example, is every day a struggle to get your child to bathe or get dressed? Does your child only eat certain food textures and reject/refuse others? Do they cry/meltdown because their clothes don't feel 'just right'? Again, we are always here to answer any questions you may have!
We hope this is helpful in understanding how our sense of touch is so important for everyday life skills and functions. Let us know how you like to get messy!
Be well,
Cassie & Amy
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