Tolerating Touch:
Some children with deaf-blindness may not like to be touched with certain
textures or on certain parts of their bodies. This is called "tactile
defensiveness". This sensitivity frequently involves the hands and/or
face. It is important to assist the child in tolerating touch and textures
for purposes of eating a variety of foods, exploring the environment, and
for general learning. There are several ways to encourage the child to explore
new textures. This process must be approached gradually, in a step-by-step
fashion:
1. Begin with textures that are dry, moving to moist, to wet, and eventually
to sticky textures. Present the textures to parts of the body which are
not very sensitive (e.g., bony areas, areas not covered by hair, such as
elbows, shoulders, and knees). These areas of the body may tolerate the
textures first. Present the texture to the back of the hands before the
palms.
2. Make the activities part of a fun time. You can do this at bathtime where
the texture can be washed off quickly. The child may try to wipe the texture
off himself, thereby getting a little on his hands. This will help him get
used to the texture.
3. See Fact Sheets on Encouraging Exploration (Order Number13) and Developing
Independence (Order Number10). The earlier you begin this process, the more confident
the child will be in accepting and exploring the environment.
Adapted from Sternberg-White, S., Chen D., Watts, J., 1992.
Developing Social-Emotional Skills, INSITE.
Utah State University, Logan, Utah.
Fact sheets from California Deaf-Blind Services are to be
used by both families and professionals serving individuals with dual sensory
impairments. The information applies to students 0-22 years of age. The
purpose of the fact sheet is to give general information on a specific topic.
More specific information for an individual student can be provided through
individualized technical assistance available from CDBS. The fact sheet
is a starting point for further information.
Order Number 012 3/6/92.