What is sensory sensitivity/tactile defensiveness?
Tactile defensiveness is a specific type of sensory or touch sensitivity. It means that the person overreacts to touch and may refuse or avoid touching. Tactile deficits may also include increased or decreased reactions to textures. Many children with Autism also experience tactile defensiveness. It is also a common symptom of Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and varied Developmental Disabilities. People with tactile defensiveness may be especially sensitive to textures and tags on clothing. They may have strong preferences about the clothes they wear. Parents may find they need to cut out tags that itch the neck and buy clothing made of soft fabrics, without elastic cuffs or hems. Cotton seems to work best for individuals with tactile defensiveness, as woven or synthetic fabrics tend to be itchy and overstimulating to the touch. This can be challenging for children and parents especially when school or work dictate you have to wear something other than sweatpants and baggy sweatshir
