Tactile Dysfunction in Schools
The tactile sense is the feeling of touch. It works through receptors on the skin that allow us to feel texture, pressure, and location. The tactile sense is important for the manipulation of materials, tolerating clothing, feeding, understanding harmful stimuli, and self-care skills. Here is how tactile dysfunction can be portrayed in the school environment:
A child with tactile craving may present as: Bumps into objects or people, Constantly touching surfaces, people, and things, Loves messy play, has difficulties transitioning away from messy play
A child with tactile underresponsivity may present as: Difficulties manipulating clothing fasteners or opening containers, Does not noticed when touched or bumped by others, Does not notice cuts, bruises or injuries, Unable to tell the difference between fabrics by touch alone
A child with tactile overresponsivity may present as: Is ticklish easily, Resists playing with wet/messy textures, Avoids finger painting and touching clay or pastels, Wants to wash hands with marks from markers or food, Parent reports resistance with ADLs (brushing hair, brushing teeth, washing hair, specific clothing fabrics), Flinches or becomes upset when accidentally brushed or touched, Strips or removes clothing when wet, Does not like to sit close to others in class, gym, or in bus, Dislikes wiping face after meals
Tactile Classroom Strategies
Here are just some strategies to address tactile differences in the classroom and school environment. It is not an extensive list of all things you can try, but a good start of strategies that can be incorporated into already established routines!
· Fidget tools (paperclips, Velcro, clay eraser, pen top)
· Lotion and tactile brushing
· Paint brushes, Q-tips, and cotton balls for paints
· Water bead sensory bins
· Modeling acceptance of marker or paint on hands
· Hand squishes or stress ball squeezes
· Warnings and prep time for messy play activities
· Spread glue with fingers
· Add foam stickers or fold corners of pages to help separate
· Small resistive manipulatives (Legos, small pop beads)
Tactile School Strategies
Here are some strategies to address tactile differences in the school environment. Remember, for best chance at carryover and to make the activities functional for the child, incorporate sensory strategies into already established routines and activities.
· Extra napkins provided at mealtimes
· Hold transition or waiting object while listening to directions or moving around the school
· Discover new textures outside on playground to touch/examine
· Towel instead of paper towels or automatic hand dryer in bathrooms
· Heavy work tasks prior to messy play or art activities
· Take a towel outside if wet equipment/water is possible
· Check food and liquid temperatures for too hot or too cold
Emily is a pediatric occupational therapist providing community and home-based OT services in the Greater Philadelphia area, PA. She is a mentor for School-Based Occupational Therapists, offering one-one-one sessions to grow in confidence and skills. Emily Marie OT LLC strives to empower all to achieve their full potential.