|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Tactile Sensory Activities

Sensory integration disorder is a condition in which an individual may get overloaded by certain sensory input and may feel comforted by others. Occupational therapy is often one avenue of coping with sensory integration disorder. These sessions typically include activities aimed at helping the patient cope with his specific sensory issues using activities designed to specifically address those issues.

  1. Weighted Blankets and Hammocks

    • Weighted blankets and hammocks are often used in conjunction with other activities to help calm down children who have been overloaded by tactile sensory issues. The snug feeling a weighted blanket or hammock can provide gives a sense of security to children with sensory integration disorder. Some parents or occupational therapists incorporate these elements into therapy sessions as a way to comfort children who are having an episode where tactile issues are affecting them in a negative manner.

    Tactile Integration Activities

    • For children who have severe issues with different tactile sensations, introducing various textures gradually is a way to help overcome, or at least get acclimated to, different textural sensations. Modeling clay, foam, sponges dipped in paint, and other messy activities can be gradually introduced in various fun activities to help children with tactile issues learn to cope with offensive textures. Allow your child to select the items he will touch. Don't force anything. This will give him a sense of control. Cathy Haarstad, M.S., says you should "gradually increase exposure to sensation or substance your child dislikes."

    Textured Surfaces

    • Frequent walks through the grass barefoot in the summer can be therapeutic. Make these walks a fun time when you and your child can talk as you walk. The quality time together can be beneficial and will help keep your child focused on you rather than walking through the grass. Concrete, blacktop and other textural walking surfaces can be integrated as well.

    Brushing

    • Brushing hair is an activity that can increase a child's tolerance of touching when they have tactile issues. It is also a soothing experience for many children with tactile issues. Use a soft brush and spend 10 or 15 minutes a night brushing your child's hair. Use the time to talk and share your thoughts about the day's activities. This can make the experience more calming and pleasurable.

    Tactile Sensations Box

    • Fill a box with various textured items and make a game of letting your child feel the various textures and try to guess what they are. Place sandpaper, carpet, clay and other textural elements in the box. Making a game of it can help distract your child from the textures as an annoyance and helps turn the tactile defensiveness into something enjoyable. You can also place toys in a box of polystyrene foam product peanuts and allow your child to dig through the peanuts to find the toys.

Childrens Health - Related Articles