Just as some children can be overly sensitive to touching typical textures or fabrics, other chldren with sensory difficulites may display "tactile" seeking behaviors. These behaviors may go unnoticed unless they begin to negatively influence everyday functioning or they are paired with additional sensory challenges.
Signs that your child might be seeking touch input, can include:
- irritating others because the child touches objects or people often
- is unaware when someone touches them on the arm or back
- prefers to be barefoot and avoids wearing shoes
- doesn't appear to notice when hands or face are messy
- decreased pain or temperature awareness
- unusual need to touch certain textures, surfaces, or toys
Parents are often aware that their child demonstrates some sensory activities that may stand out from the crowd. As an occupational therapist, it is my goal to intervene when children begin to demonstrate difficulty with everyday tasks or demonstrate delayed development. If you are curious about whether or not your child would benefit from an occupational therapy evaluation, call Child and Family Development to schedule a free phone call with a pediatric therapist to address your concerns.
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