Some kids seek out touch sensations, whether or not they response appropriately to them. Sometimes when a child seeks out more intensive and frequent touch, it may mean that they are under-responsive and struggle with understanding the sensations. However, this is not always the case- sometimes, it may just be a sensory preference! It’s important information to understand, so that you can help get your child’s touch needs met consistently!
Here are some signs that your child seeks out tactile input, or touch sensations:
- Seeks out affectionate touch or maintaining physical (skin-to-skin) contact frequently throughout the day
- May seek out deep pressure (e.g., crashing their body, pushing their body roughly into caregivers, wanting heavy objects placed on top of them)
- Often runs their hands/fingers across surfaces such as walls or items they are passing while walking
- Highly enjoys messy play
- Repeatedly runs hands over soft and/or textured items
- Enjoys foods that are squishy, mixed textured, juicy, etc.
- Picks at hair or skin, including the nails
- Loves water play and bath time
When a child is seen seeking various tactile sensations throughout the day, that means their brain and body need those sensations to fill some sort of neurological need. Sometimes, this could be due to difficulties perceiving touch effectively, leading to the child actively exploring their surroundings through sense of touch. In other cases, they may actually be sensitive to passive forms of touch inputs, leading to them to access tactile sensations through active engagement, instead. Either way, help your child understand how their touch system works by exploring their preferences to touch!
For more information on the tactile system, visit the Brain Waves Resource page to find the What is the Tactile System? post.
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