Sensory Processing Slime, Sensory Dough & Putty Play 

Engaging in sensory play activities like playing with slime, putty or sensory play dough can provide so many benefits for children with tactile defensiveness. Be sure you are always checking slime recipes and what they are made of because many slimes and sensory play products can be unsafe for children. 

Tactile sensory input is touch to the skin. Tactile defensiveness is the type of sensory dysfunction. Tactile defensiveness is when a child feels a negative response to touch. This response can be mild or severe causing discomfort, anxiety or panic. A child will avoid or resist being touched. They may pull away or cry when touched. Some children will react strongly to different textures and may be sensitive to specific fabrics, tags and food textures. 

Children who struggle with tactile defensiveness sometimes have difficulty with self-care like brushing their teeth, washing their hands and getting dressed in the morning can be very challenging for them. They may become anxious, irritable and aggressive in response to sensory tactile input.

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 play is when a child engages in sensory activities that stimulate the senses like touch. Playing with slime, putty and sensory play dough provides children with tactile defensiveness with several benefits.

Tactile sensory activities expose children to tactile input in a gradual way. They can start small and gradually increase the sensory input as they become more comfortable. Children can develop increased tolerance for tactile input. This will reduce their sensitivity and discomfort.

Playing with slime, putty, and play dough can be calming and therapeutic for children with tactile defensiveness. It provides a safe and controlled way for them to experience touch without the anxiety or discomfort they may experience in other situations.

These sensory activities help children become more aware of their own bodies and sensations. They can learn to identify and differentiate between different textures and pressures.
Tips for Using Slime, Putty, and Play Dough with Tactile Defensive Children

Start gradually and introduce the activity slowly and with small amounts.
Choose appropriate materials for your slime and select slime, putty, or play dough with textures that are tolerable for the child.

Provide support: Observe the child's reactions and provide encouragement or support as needed.
Allow for breaks if the child becomes overwhelmed, take a break and try again later.
Make it fun: Engage the child in sensory activities that make sensory play enjoyable.

Sensory play activities, particularly those involving slime, putty, and play dough, can provide numerous benefits for children with tactile defensiveness. These activities can help reduce sensitivity, improve regulation, enhance self-awareness and relieve anxiety. 

When a child who has sensory processing disorder plays with different tactile sensory activities that their occupational therapist has included in their sensory diet, children with sensory tactile defensiveness can overcome sensory challenges. 

50 Tactile Sensory Activities

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. 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 or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas 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 awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 

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