Sensory Processing Disorder Tactile Defensiveness
One category of sensory processing disorder is Tactile Defensiveness. It is when someone struggles with hypersensitivity to touch. Tactile Defensiveness causes an individual to have an extreme response to touch.
Some people may enjoy a gentle touch or the feeling of different textures but those who struggle with tactile defensiveness may find these sensations overwhelming or maybe painful.
Tactile sensory input is touch to the skin. Tactile defensiveness is the type of sensory dysfunction.
There are many daily activities that can cause a child to become tactile defensive such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, cutting nails, washing themselves or brushing their hair.
When your child tells you that something that is touching them hurts or is uncomfortable, they are being truthful. They are having a negative response to the tactile sensory input.
Sensory differences like tactile defensiveness can affect people of all ages. Some children may feel discomfort or pain when touched by another child but some other children may have an aversion to specific textures or fabrics.
Hypersensitivity to touch can have a significant impact child's life and cause a child to struggle with self-regulation and their emotional regulation.
It is important to know the symptoms and understand tactile defensiveness. Some common symptoms of sensory tactile defensiveness are avoiding certain textures, fabrics or clothing.
There are several sensory strategies that can be helpful for a child who is struggling with hypersensitivity to touch. A sensory diet that includes sensory tactile activities throughout the day will desensitize their sensory tactile sensitivities.
It is recommended that children who are struggling with tactile defensiveness go to Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist who specializes in in sensory integration can work with you and your child to develop a sensory diet. This could include sensory activities like brushing the skin with a specialized brush or using specific sensory tools to desensitize the individual to different textures gradually.
Hypersensitivity To Touch (Tactile Defensiveness)
- difficulty getting hair cuts
- avoids being touched or sitting too close to others
- resists wearing shoes, jeans, underwear or socks
- doesn't like nails being cut
- dislikes taking a shower or having a bath
- gets angry or surprised by unexpected touch
- dislikes being kissed or hugged
- avoids messy play
- refuses to eat different food textures
- avoids going barefoot in the grass
- doesn't like to wash or brush hair
- extremely ticklish
- bothered by clothing seams and fabrics
- gets upset when hands are dirty
Hyposensitivity To Touch (Under-Responsive)
- seeks out touch and wants to touch everything
- bites or pinches themselves
- hurts family pets or other children when playing
- loves messy play
- unaffected by getting hurt (high pain tolerance)
- doesn't notice when being touched
- unbothered by dirty hands or messy face
- bumps into others and objects
- craves heavy pressure
- enjoys rubbing and feeling certain fabrics
- touches everyone around them
- doesn't notice a runny nose
- uses heavy pressure when writing with a pencil
- wants to play in water often
Tactile Sensory Tools & Toys
Comfort On The Spectrum
Our Classic Long Set offers unbeatable comfort and style. Made from super soft bamboo fabric, this loungewear set for teens and kids ensures maximum comfort and breathability, while the flat seams stitching and no tags, buttons, or plastic graphics make it 100% Sensory Friendly. Plus, with heaps of colours and designs to choose from, you can look and feel great all day - every day!
Sensory Long Set Features:
Super Soft Fabric - 95% Bamboo 5% Spandex
Flat Seam Stitching
No Tags, Buttons, Plastic Graphics
Skin-friendly and eco-friendly
Unisex Design
Slim Fit Sizes 4 - 16
DINOSAUR FLAT SOCKS KIDS
No Slip
The underside is a super grippy textured foam surface. These things seriously don't budge!
No Stink
FLAT SOCKS create a moisture-wicking barrier that saves your shoes from becoming a stinky swamp!
No Hassle
What Do You Get When a Dinosaur Sneezes?
Out of the way! :D — Brighten up your mornings by skipping the socks! Have you seen these amazing Dinosaur FLAT SOCKS for Kids? Take the adventure with you each step of the way with FLAT SOCKS!
Anyways Pullover
All of Anyways' products can be worn inside-out and backwards! Any way children choose to wear this long sleeved shirt is the right way! Make hectic mornings easier with the quick, convenient, easy way to get kids dressed! PLUS kids look adorable and feel comfortable when they’re in their Anyways!
Made of 100% cotton
Wash Cold, Dry Low
Items will experience some shrinking in a normal wash and dry cycle
Size and logo printed at bottom
Flat seams and no tags
Super comfortable on even our most sensory-sensitive friends
Can be worn with any side facing forward and any side facing out
Wilbarger Therapy Brush, 2 Pack – Therapressure Brush for Occupational Therapy for Sensory Brushing – Designed by Patricia Wilbarger – Use as Part of the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol
This Therapressure brush is designed to deliver a deep pressure massage to help improve sensory defensiveness. Includes 2 brushes
Use as part of the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol (Brushing Therapy) to help improve attention span, focus and ability to transition between activities
Best when used with the guidance of a trained occupational therapist. Run the soft, dense bristles over the skin with moderate pressure for a calming sensory experience
Mazi + Mom Fuschia Fun
A favorite with our customers. This dress is full of spunk and fun!
Our signature super-soft fabric
Flat seams
No scratchy tags
Pockets!
Lightweight, super-soft bamboo Tencel fabric
Machine wash cold (although lots of our parents wash in warm with no issues)
Sensory processing disorder clothing, sensitive kids, soft clothing…
call it whatever you want....but end the morning tears!
After years of not being able to find comfortable soft clothes that Mazi could wear, we set out to create our own. End the tears when getting dressed, and look cute at the same time!
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Outer Space - Preschool and Toddler Sensory Toys, Fine Motor Skills Toys and Sensory Activities for Kids Ages 3+
Blast off on a intergalactic mission with a galaxy play bin filled with glowing stars, 2.5 lbs of space rocks, astronaut, squishy alien and more! This self-contained space toy is an out of this world unique tactile sensory experience
All sensory bins fillers are carefully selected and tested to provide the best at home play activities for toddlers. Since 1976, Creativity for Kids has proudly made fun and creative experiences today to nurture children's confidence for life
Elmer's Celebration Slime Kit, 10 Count
The possibilities of slime are only limited by your imagination when you use Elmer's Glue and Magical Liquid Slime Activators. This kit contains five of each so you can mix and match and discover new slime combinations! Elmer's Glue is washable, safe, and nontoxic, making it great for kids. Meanwhile the Magical Liquid removes the need for contact lens solution, baking soda, and other additives, making it the easy, no-hassle way to turn glue into slime! What kind of slime will you create?
Special Supplies Matching Game Sensory Discs, 10 Sets, Tactile Stimulation for Kids,
Interactive and Calming Sensory Play – A unique way to keep kids calm, relaxed, and focused, these sensory toys for kids can be used for stimulating their hands, feet, skin, and even mind while creating a multi-sensory experience.
Tactile Matching Surfaces – These sensory circles come with matching pairs that each feature a raised, textured surface that makes pairing them together fun and challenging with the included ultra-soft blindfold.
Physical and Occupational Therapy – Special Supplies sensory toys are a great way to help children explore their natural senses including touch response, orientation, physical coordination, and even general balance (when using their feet).
Wikki Stix Single Color Packs
You've asked for the ability to buy quantities of Wikki Stix in a single color, and we are happy to introduce single color packages. Thirty-six, 6″ Wikki Stix all in one color. Perfect for school projects, holiday activities…and lots more.
Wikki Stix Learning Toys are the original — trusted by parents, schools, and teachers everywhere. Wikki Stix are more than a craft toy and more than a learning toy, they're a powerful interactive teaching tool! Wikki Stix Learning Toys conform to ASTM D-4236, the safety standard for use in the schools. Recommended for ages 3 & up.
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Race Track - Fine Motor Skills Toys for Kids, Pretend Play Preschool Toys for Toddlers Ages 3+4
Start your engines to zip, zoom and race around a DIY car track in a play bin filled with sensory sand, gravel, 2 race cars and more! This self-contained car playset is a hands-on pretend play experience for toddlers ages 3+
Sensory bins allow toddlers to discover, imagine and learn while engaging their senses. Place the self-contained sensory bin on a tablecloth or towel to scoop, sort and build for easy clean up and endless hours of hands-on pretend play!
Enjoy hours of imaginative play while building fine motor skills and promoting sensory development. Create cognitive tasks for your preschooler as you sort, categorize, count and engage in hands-on play with your sensory bin
Therapy Shoppe Water Beads
NEW! Water beads are perfect for sensory bins and tactile sensory play! Just add water and they expand to make 6 cups of irresistibly feeling gel-like beads! These reusable water beads come in a handy little plastic tube. Sensory Bins provide children with oppoortunities to explore and learn thru hands-on play that engages multiple senses. This type of play often supports and encourages many different areas of development: fine motor skills, language, sensory modulation, self regulation, and more. Add a few of our Therapy Shoppe tongs for kids, scoops, and/or manipulatives – and you've got a great sensory activity set! You'll love these versatile Water Beads that are recommended for ages 6-up.
Mazi + Mom Red Heart
A dress full of love. Great for holidays or just everyday!
Our signature super-soft fabric
Flat seams
No scratchy tags
Pockets!
Sensory processing disorder clothing, sensitive kids, soft clothing…
call it whatever you want....but end the morning tears!
After years of not being able to find comfortable soft clothes that Mazi could wear, we set out to create our own. End the tears when getting dressed, and look cute at the same time!
Sensory Mat Module Set of Massage Game Mats for Kids Orthopedic Massage Puzzle Floor Mats Sensory Toys for Autistic Children
Kids Floor Mat Set Contains: 8 modules. Soft Grass (2 pieces), Thorns (2 pieces), Pebbles First Step (2 pieces), Cones (2 pieces)
The Total size of Sensory Tiles for Kids is 19.7x39.4 '' (50x100 cm); One element - 9.8x9.8 '' (25x25 cm).
Kids Massage Mat is beneficial for children include: It helps to build nerve connections in the brain. It encourages the development of motor skills.
Sensory Steps for Kids Activity Stimulates a Young Child's Senses of Touch
Sensory Mat can be as Therapy Equipment and Assists Autistic Toddlers & Children with Sensory Issues
Therapy Shoppe Colored Corn Brushes with a Handle
Brushing is lots more fun with our colored corn brushes! Each brush has a comfortable, attached, easy-grip flat handle. These popular sensory brushes come in your choice of 3 colors: Yellow Brush with a Green Handle, Green Brush with a Cream Handle, or Brown with a Cream Handle (*cream colored handles feature a swirly, marble-like look). Sold in packs of 10, 30, or 100 brushes. A great sensory diet tool for home, clinics, or school!
Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin: Construction Zone Playset - Sandbox Truck Toys for Kids
Dig, build and learn new skills - one work zone at a time! This ultimate sensory play sandbox is filled with easy to mold sensory sand, toy trucks, sensory tools and more! Just add imagination for constructive hands-on play time. Sensory bins allow children to discover, imagine and learn while engaging their senses. Place the self-contained sensory bin on a table cloth or towel and scoop, sort, dig and build for easy clean up and endless hours of hands-on play!
All sensory bins fillers are carefully selected and safety tested to provide the best at home play activity. Since 1976, Creativity for Kids has proudly made fun and creative experiences today to nurture children's confidence for life.
Therapy Shoppe Vibrating Minkee Sensory Tubes
NEW! Thick and cushiony 30" vibrating roll with a delightfully soft, bumpy minkee cover and 6 different massaging modes. This versatile, moldable mega sensory tube holds its shape when you bend and mold it. This neat Vibrating Minkee Sensory Tube is a wonderful tactile sensory tool for alerting or calming self regulation and tactile stimulation. Tactile sensory seekers will be thrilled! Requires 3 “AAA” batteries (not included). Comes in a pretty blue color. Designed for ages 3-adults.
Twistle Squish Lime The perfect solution for when you have a case of the wiggles or a little anxiety. Reduce stress and manage anxiety by keeping fingers busy with a focused mind. With quiet and smooth movements, these fidget toys twist into fun shapes and designs.
Mix and match with other Twistles for more imaginative play.
Perfect for treasure chest rewards and incentives.
Thirty-two 13/16" links covered with a squishy silicone material.
Kozie Clothes Signature Denim Weighted Vest
For Children with Special Needs/Proprioceptive Therapy for SPD
This adorable, relevantly styled weighted vest comes with FIVE hidden inside weights placed in our 5 inside pockets, which can also house additional accessory weights (sold separately). Consult with a Sensory Occupational Therapist or contact us with questions for more information.
Colors Available: Denim Blue
Fabric / Material: 100% Cotton Denim
No tags (one tear away tag) to limit sensory sensitivity increasing calmness and focus capabilities of child.
Zipper with water resistant neoprene pull that doubles as a “chewy”.
Educational Insights Teachable Touchables Textured Beanbags Squares, Toddler Sensory Toys, Preschool Toys, Set of 20 Beanbags, Ages 3+
Scratchy, slippery, silky, or soft? Young learners build tactile awareness and vocabulary skills as they interact with these 20 texture squares (10 different pairs) in a variety of "hands-on" activities. Textures include bumpy, furry, fuzzy, nubby, and more
20 bean bags and activity guide that covers matching, descriptors, communication, and tactile discrimination
Build tactile awareness, fine motor skills and vocabulary skills in a variety of hands-on activities
Kozie Clothes Extraordinary Weighted Sensory Blanket - Removable Duvet, Engineered For Safety
It is no surprise that our Kozie Weighted Blanket with Duvet cover can have a positive neurological effect on just about any one, however there are many who suffer from conditions that really benefit from the deep pressure sensory input of our weighted blanket. Deep pressure often increases our Happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine while also slowing down our involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol.
Crazy Aaron's Putty Color Shock & Holo Mini Tins (.47oz Each) Sun Beam, Coral Reef, Eternal Flame & Moonlight Gift Set Bundle - 4 Pack
Crazy Aaron's Putty Color Shock & Holo Mini Tins (.47oz each) Sun Beam, Coral Reef, Eternal Flame & Moonlight Gift Set Bundle - 4 Pack, is AWESOME!
his is an amazing set of 4 (2 Inch, .47oz) Mini Tins from Crazy Aaron! HOLO - Holographic glitter and sparkle! - Color Shock - New technology features two colors in one! HOLO - Holographic glitter and sparkle!
Color Shock - New technology features two colors in one! Gluten free, latex free and amazing for special needs, party favors & much more!
For Ages 3 and up - Fun for the whole family!
Kids 3 Pounds Weighted Blanket 36" x 48", Children Fleece Minky Dots Heavy Blankets with 4 Cartoon Pattern Options Soft Warm Breathable Gift for Toddler Bed Sleeping, Blue Dinosaur
Enhance Kids Sleep Quality: Are your kids always full of energy at night and don’t go to sleep? Except giving the certain weight on kids body, Coolplus Kids Fleece Weighted Blanket also adopts little bumps design, and touching these bumps helps to relieve toddler’s stress, comforting toddlers with extra safety to a promote faster and stable sleep
Innovative Heavy Blanket Design: Millions of high-quality micro glass beads inside the combined fibers as well as in each needle pocket, can evenly distribute weight to a kid’s body. 7 Layers into a streamlined design.
Therapy Shoppe Rainbow Sensory Rice
NEW! Rainbow Sensory Rice is the perfect hide 'n find medium for sensory bins and tactile activities! Tactile sensory play helps support and encourage the development of sensory processing skills, tactile discrimination, fine and visual perceptual motor skills, and lots more. Create your own sensory activity kit by adding a few tongs, scoops, and manipulatives. This irresistibly tactile and colorful 1 lb. set of sensory rice is great for home play, school classrooms, OT and art activities, and sensory break corners (but is not for eating). For ages 3+.
This Jumpsuit is the perfect outfit for your sensory-sensitive kiddo. Super comfy and easy to wear, this jumpsuit for teens and kids will keep your little one feeling cozy and secure. With its one-piece-style, you don't have to worry about wandering hands or undressing.
Sensory Jumpsuit Features:
Super Soft Fabric - 95% Bamboo 5% Spandex
Flat Seam Stitching
No Tags, Zips, Plastic Graphics
Skin-friendly and eco-friendly
Two Snap Buttons on the Back - to assist with dressing ease
Loose Fit - No restrictive Bands
Side Pockets
JettProof Planets - Calming Sensory Compression Sheet
We specialise in calming the sensory system using Calmtex® Sleep fabric, which has been designed specifically for sensory care.
JettProof sensory sheets slip over the mattress and are open ended, making it easy to remove for washing.
Our sensory sheets are the perfect addition for any child or adult living with Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder or PTSD, by providing calming sensory input.
All stitching is on the outside, away from the skin.
Available for Single, King Single, Double, Queen and King size beds.
DreamGYM Sensory Swing - Red Sensory swing for everyone! Great for vestibular input for people with SPD and autism.
Great for use indoors and outdoors. Safe. Assembled in Canada.
Weight capacity 220 lbs (100 kg). Recommended age 5+.
High quality fabric: 4-way stretch, 95% cotton, 5% lycra.
Includes all necessary hardware for easy installation.
Therapy Sensory Swing is great for providing vestibular input for children with sensory processing disorder and autism. Deep pressure create calming effects. It is made of high quality stretching fabric (95% cotton, 5% lycra/spandex). It has soft and natural feel.
Therapy Shoppe FuzzBudds Big Bouncy Cuddle Buddy Therapy Balls
NEW! FUZZBUDDS are big ole fuzzy furry cuddly buddy sensory therapy balls that double as a sensory ball chair wiggle seat! Phenomenal for tactile sensory seekers, wigglers, deep pressure seekers, and kiddos who love furry, cuddly toys or sensory tools. Great for full-body rolling deep pressure input, and they provide amazing sensory feedback during toss and catch games and other gross motor activities. Each Fuzzbudd comes with a cuddly machine washable cover and a foot pump. Your choice of 3 kid-friendly colors and sizes. Adorable, versatile, and super durable. These were a big hit with every age tester and our staff, too. You'll love these adorable sensory balls that have gigantic eyes and faces!
Texture Sensory Bean Bags,Toddler Sensory Toys for Babies,Preschool Toys Set of 13 Beanbags, Shape Sensory Bean Bags with Storage Bag,Develop Fine Motor & Sensory Play for Newborns’ Early Learning
Feel the Texture and Shape of the World in Hands-On Way]:Nylon cloth, corduroy, woolen, pasted, pleated, beige, mesh textures. Many different textures, many different touches. Let the baby get different sensory feedback in the process of hand touch and play, and help the baby's hand touch development. In addition, this bean bag is also perfect for children with special needs to help them deal with anxiety, relax mood and keep their hands busy.
Fun a Ton Stretchy Balls Stress Relief (Pack of 1) Soft Dough Stress Ball Pull and Stretch. Hand Therapy or Sensory Fidget Toy, Squishy Anxiety Relaxing Toy.
Squeezable Stress Ball! A great tool that serves as a coping skill for anxiety, ADHD and helps with motor skills development. Its bright colors encourage kids to play with it and keep themselves entertained. Great for Sensory Toys for Classroom or Classroom Fidget, Sensory Processing Disorder Toys, Stress toy for kids, Autism sensory toys, Stress Relief, Hand Therapy, Stress Reliever, Sensory Fidget Toy. For Kids, Toddlers, Adults, Boys Girls. Make Relaxation Simple. Great tool For Therapists Anxiety relief or exercise ball.
Therapy Shoppe Atomic Neato Doh Ball
NEW! Color changing neato doh fidget ball inside in a web-like rubbery matrix! Give this unique sensory ball a good squeeze and watch the inner ball bubble through the matrix, change colors, all while making a soft gurgling sound! Neato balls feature a dough-like filling that feels similar to kneading fluffy whipped potatoes! A neat multisensory fidget tool that's like getting 2 stress relieving balls in one; it will entertain tactile sensory seekers of all ages (3-up) for hours. Makes a nice calming squeeze ball for short sensory breaks, too.
JettProof Sensory T-Shirt Boys
JettProof calming sensory compression t-shirts are perfect for Anxiety, Autism, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder.
Designed for Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder & Anxiety
Calming sensory compression
Machine wash and dry
JettProof t-shirts can be worn as clothing or undergarments and help children regulate their body and filter sensory information, which enables them to listen, focus and learn while staying calm, and become more self aware. They are manufactured extra long to provide sensory input to all of the torso.
JettProof is designed to wear all day, every day to keep the sensory system calm.
PAINT SPLATTER FLAT SOCKS KIDS
No Slip
The underside is a super grippy textured foam surface. These things seriously don't budge!
No Stink
FLAT SOCKS create a moisture-wicking barrier that saves your shoes from becoming a stinky swamp!
No Hassle
Have you spent 30 minutes in the morning trying to get your kid to wear socks? The struggle is real. All the benefits of a sock without the hassle. Throw 'em in the wash as often as you'd like.
11''Stretchy Spaghetti Ball,Fidget String Noodles Sensory Toy,Fiddle Autism Stress Toy,Pasta Autism,ADD,ADHD Classroom Tools
Stretchy Spaghetti Ball Fidget Noodle Sensory Fidget Fiddle Autism Stress Toy Fidget or sensory toys help with sensory integration, build motor skills, and teach self-regulation. They help maintain focus and help a child on the autism spectrum, a.d.h.d, a.d.d and/or sensory processing disorder, better process information. For some children sensory fidgets can also be helpful in maintaining socially acceptable behaviors. A fidget toy provides an outlet for excess energy, making it easier for a child to control or reduce their impulsive reaching out and touching everything around them.
Wikki Stix
Simply stated…they stick! No glue, no paste, no mess. Just press them down with light fingertip pressure on virtually any smooth surface and they will stick. They are also easy to peel up and reposition so “mistakes” virtually disappear.
Simply stated…they stick! No glue, no paste, no mess. Just press them down with light fingertip pressure on virtually any smooth surface and they will stick. They are also easy to peel up and reposition so “mistakes” virtually disappear.
Plus, they stick to each other for 3-D creativity and fun. Twist, bend, stick, create. That’s it! No preparation… no clean-up… no mess.
Lucky & Me Nolan Boys Organic Cotton Boxer Briefs (7-Pack) Take comfy to the next level with our 100% certified organic cotton Nolan Boys Boxer Briefs. Dreamily soft to the touch, these boxer briefs are breathable, tagless, and incredibly durable. The legs offer extra coverage and won’t ride up ever and there's a functional fly for easy convenience. The best part? The elastic waistband is fully encased with our super soft 100% organic cotton—even the most sensitive of little ones will love putting on these undies!
No scratchy or itchy tags
Spiky Tactile Balls Have a Ball with Developmental Skills
Hide it, hold it, roll it and toss it! This is one of our best therapeutic play balls because it's so versatile. The spikes are firm enough to use for deep pressure and massage, but soft enough to open up a world of tactile exploration. The easy to grip textured surface also makes this ball perfect for teaching kids to catch. You can under-inflate the ball so it has more 'give' and is easier to catch. Use during free play in early childhood, physical education classes and therapy sessions.
Encourages reciprocal play and hand-eye coordination
Supports kids with sensory processing disorder, low muscle tone and visual processing disorder
Made by Fun and Function Age 3+
Lucky & Me Bella Girls Briefs - Hands down the most comfortable underwear ever designed for girls, our Bella Briefs are crafted with ComfySeam™ bonding technology. Instead of being sewn together, our super soft tri-blend fabric is fused together using advanced adhesives—bringing high-end sportswear innovation to kids undies for the first time.
The result is barely there seams that are practically stitch free, except for a couple of minimally stitched areas for reinforcement. The Bella is soft and smooth, with a fit that is absolutely perfect every time. As one of our little reviewers exclaimed, “It’s like wearing a cloud!” We couldn’t have said it better.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links on my website. Each of your purchases through links on my website for Amazon affiliation links or sponsored links supports me but at no additional cost to you so thank you for your purchases. I appreciate it so much!