Tactile hyper- and hyposensitivity

Tactile hyper- and hyposensitivity are disorders of tactile processing in which the child's brain perceives touch differently from most people. Hypersensitivity manifests as avoidance of touch: the child dislikes clothing tags, certain fabrics, hugs, hair washing, teeth brushing — typical touch is experienced as excessive or painful. Hyposensitivity manifests as sensory-seeking behavior: the child touches everything, presses, hugs tightly, seeks intense tactile sensations, and may have a reduced pain response. These forms are often combined in one child in different body areas. Tactile sensitivity is part of sensory dysregulation and is most often seen in ASD, in sensory integration disorders without ASD, and in post-encephalopathic states.

At the Hanshi NeuroLife International Rehabilitation Center (Shangrao), the program for tactile sensitivity proceeds gradually and without pressure. The core method is sensory integration with focus on the tactile domain: the child receives different types of tactile input (light, deep, surface touch, various textures) in a safe play-based form. Occupational therapy works on touch tolerance in real-life everyday scenarios — dressing, hygiene, tool use. ABA for marked defensiveness systematically expands tolerance through positive reinforcement. For oral localization, oral-motor therapy is added; for comorbid auditory hypersensitivity — AIT/Tomatis auditory integration. From TCM methods — gentle Tui Na massage techniques.

What parents should know

Forced "habituation" to touch usually intensifies defensiveness. The program respects the child's pace. Specialists teach parents gentle techniques in everyday situations — how to do hygiene, dress the child, and maintain tactile contact without pressure. Regular reassessment shows expanded tolerance and allows the program to be adjusted.