Tactile Sensitivity in Children: Understanding and Supporting the Sensitive Touch
Author: Kristina Rautek Potocnik, BA (Hons) Ed. Rehab., HDip Early Childhood Studies, MA Early Intervention & Inclusion, Cert. Play Therapy | SI | ASD | Reflexes | ABA, ongoing MSc SLT
Tactile Sensitivity in Children: Understanding and Supporting the Sensitive Touch
Tactile sensitivity—also called touch sensitivity or tactile defensiveness—is when a child reacts very strongly to everyday touch. This can include clothing, hugs, textures, or messy play. For many children, these sensations feel overwhelming, even painful. As a result, they may avoid certain clothes, cry when touched lightly, or become upset in situations that involve textures, such as finger painting or wearing socks.
For a child with tactile sensitivity, daily life can feel like a constant challenge. Imagine walking into a café and seeing someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Your heart races, your muscles tighten, and your body gets ready to either stay and fight—or run away. It might take you a while to calm down, even after the moment has passed. This is what many children feel every time their skin is touched in a way their body doesn’t like.
This reaction is part of the body’s “fight or flight” system. The child is not being difficult—they are trying to protect themselves from something that feels threatening, even if it seems small to others.
The good news is that with time and gentle support, the nervous system can learn to feel safer. One helpful strategy is deep pressure input. This is a type of sensory activity that tells the body “you’re safe” and helps calm down the stress response. Over time, deep pressure can help a child become more comfortable with touch.
Before trying new strategies, it’s always best to speak with your child’s occupational therapist or sensory specialist. But here are some common deep pressure activities that many children find calming:
– Big, firm hugs (only if your child enjoys them)
– Pushing heavy toys in a cart or stroller
– Rolling a soft therapy ball over the body
– Carrying a weighted backpack or stuffed animal
– Lying under a heavy blanket or cushion pile
– Wearing compression shirts or vests
– Doing homework or reading inside a bean bag
– Playing on swings, slides, or climbing frames to build whole-body input
These activities give the body strong, steady pressure in a safe way. They can be used before or after more stressful moments—like getting dressed, going to school, or joining group activities.
Helping your child with tactile sensitivity starts with patience and understanding. Try to notice what triggers their reactions, and adjust the environment to reduce stress. Let your child be involved in choosing clothes or activities that feel safe. When your child feels in control, they are more likely to explore new textures at their own pace.
You don’t have to remove all textures—just go slowly. If your child avoids a certain fabric or food texture, you can offer it in a playful way nearby, without pressure. Over time, many children become more open when they feel safe, supported, and not forced.
Tactile sensitivity can improve with the right support. With consistent routines, calming sensory activities, and a gentle approach, your child can feel more comfortable in their body and in their world.
Latest Posts
- How children make sense of the world through their senses
- How your baby learns about the world through their senses
- Helping your child grow stronger through movement and play
- Understanding How Early Intervention Helps Children Learn, Move, and Connect
- How to Recognise Tactile Defensiveness and Help Your Child Feel Safe
- Understanding Feeding Challenges and How to Support Your Child at Home
- Let’s Talk Sitting: Exploring Floor Seating Options
- Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Hidden Cause Behind Developmental Struggles
- Where Curiosity Blossoms: How Children's Play Nurtures Growth for All
- Helping Your Child Through Stress: A Gentle Guide for Parents
- Sweet Little Lies – How to Recognise and Respond with Care
- Chores Are More Than Just Tasks – They’re a Tool for Growing Independence, Focus, and Confidence
- How to Help Children Develop Emotional Intelligence
- Blending Technology and Care: How VR Meta Quest Supports Children at NeuroNest
- A simple guide for parents who want to raise confident, happy children
- Setting Boundaries with Love: A Simple 3-Step Guide for Parents
- Understanding Behavior Through the Nervous System
- A Compassionate Lens on Dysregulation in Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals
- Supporting Development Through Movement: The Role of the Swing in Early Intervention
- Blending Tradition and Innovation: How NeuroNest Supports Your Child’s Unique Journey
- When Movement Meets Innovation: Supporting Child Development with GoBalance
- Why Visual Perception Matters for Everyday Life and Development
- Benefits of Chess in Early Intervention
- Building Healthy Nutrition from the Start
- A Journey Back to Your True Self
- Supporting Your Child’s Hand Skills for Confident Writing
- Blending the Best of Both Worlds
- Helping Toddlers Eat Well: A Parent’s Guide
- Why Tummy Time Matters for Your Baby's Development
- Helping Your Child Build Everyday Independence
- Who Are the Disconnected Kids?
- From First Tries to Automatic Habits: Understanding the Stages of Skill Learning
- Why a Child’s Level of Alertness Matters for Memory and Learning
- Early brain development starts before birth
- Why Slowing Down, Adapting Tasks, and Adding Breaks Helps Children Learn Better
- Why ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Other Challenges Need a New Approach
- The surprising power of copying in child development
- Books are more than just language tools—they’re powerful allies in sensory and motor development.
- Rethinking sensory support: moving beyond expensive rooms toward everyday understanding.
- Understanding how fear develops in a child’s brain
- Understanding how an early baby reflex can affect your child’s daily life
- A gentle start into baby development through movement and bonding
Our Partners
Our Memberships
