🤲 Section 3 of 8

Tactile Integration

Touch Discrimination · Texture Tolerance · Tactile Defensiveness. Two sub-systems are critical: the protective system (fast, triggers fight-or-flight) and the discriminative system (slower, identifies what is touching).

⚡ In ASD/ADHD the protective system is often over-active (tactile defensiveness), while the discriminative system may be under-developed. Both need targeted work — but the protective system is calmed first.
Seeking
Touching everythingExcessive skin rubbingSkin pickingFondling objectsToe-walking
Avoiding
Clothing sensitivityAvoids messy playDistress at touchRefuses haircutsBarefoot avoidance
Wilbarger Brushing Protocol (DPPT)
3.1
★★★ Advanced⏱ 2–3 min / 90 min
🎯 Reduce tactile defensiveness; normalise sensory threshold across the skin
  1. Obtain a Wilbarger surgical sensory brush (specific bristle firmness — not a hairbrush)
  2. Using firm, even strokes — brush arms from shoulder to hand (front AND back)
  3. Brush the back in long downward strokes
  4. Brush the legs from hip to foot (back and front)
  5. Brush the feet including soles
  6. IMMEDIATELY follow with joint compressions (Activity 2.4) — the two are one protocol
💡 TipsDO NOT brush the face, stomach, or chest. Must be trained by a certified OT before implementing. Frequency is critical: every 90 minutes. Irregular use reduces effectiveness.
Tactile Exploration Bins (Graded)
3.2
★ Easy⏱ 10–20 min
🎯 Progressively reduce tactile avoidance; build discriminative touch; satisfy tactile seeking
  1. Bin 1 — Dry: uncooked rice or dried lentils (neutral, predictable texture)
  2. Bin 2 — Granular: kinetic sand (slightly damp, holds shape)
  3. Bin 3 — Tactile variety: smooth stones, textured shapes, and koosh balls
  4. Bin 4 — Wet: water beads (gel spheres — slippery and surprising)
  5. Bin 5 — Messy: foam soap, shaving cream, or slime
  6. Child works through bins at own pace — NEVER force progression
💡 TipsKeep wet wipes and a towel visibly available — reduces anxiety. Hide small toys at the bottom of each bin to motivate digging. Start with tools (spoons, scoops) before bare hands for avoidant children.
Texture Walk & Touch Tunnel
3.3
★★ Moderate⏱ 10–15 min
🎯 Build plantar and whole-body tactile tolerance; integrate tactile and proprioceptive systems
  1. Lay a path of 6–8 textured mats: smooth foam, bumpy rubber, faux grass, gravel mat, carpet, bubble wrap, wet sand tray
  2. Child walks the path with shoes on first (3 passes), then socks (3 passes), then bare feet
  3. Add a 'touch tunnel': fabric tunnel with different textures inside walls — crawl through slowly
  4. Rate each texture 1 (love it) to 5 (too hard) — builds interoceptive awareness
  5. Re-walk the path in reverse
  6. End with 2 minutes of firm foot massage (desensitising, not light tickle)
💡 TipsChange mats regularly to maintain novelty. Excellent outdoor activity — natural terrain (grass, sand, pebbles) is the original texture walk.
Finger Painting & Messy Art Progression
3.4
★★ Moderate⏱ 20–30 min
🎯 Reduce avoidance of messy textures; build tactile tolerance for wet and unpredictable materials
  1. Session 1: Stamp printing — child uses potato/sponge stamps (no hand contact with paint)
  2. Session 2: Paintbrush on paper — hand holds dry handle only
  3. Session 3: Glove finger painting — latex-free gloves for safe hand-in-paint exploration
  4. Session 4: One-finger paint trace — one index finger draws a rainbow
  5. Session 5: Three-finger painting — both hands, three fingers each, abstract design
  6. Session 6: Full hand printing — handprint art; celebrate the 'brave hands'
💡 TipsAlways use washable, non-toxic paint — guaranteed easy cleanup reduces anticipatory anxiety. Allow the child to wash hands mid-session if needed — control is key.
Vibration Therapy
3.5
★ Easy⏱ 5–10 min
🎯 Normalise skin receptor response; provide deep tactile-proprioceptive input; reduce defensive reactions
  1. Use a handheld vibrating massager (medium intensity setting)
  2. Begin with the least sensitive area: hands and arms
  3. Apply to palm 10 seconds, back of hand, forearm, upper arm
  4. Progress to legs: thighs, calves, soles of feet
  5. If well tolerated: scalp (excellent pre-haircut desensitiser) and face cheeks
  6. Complete by brushing skin lightly with a soft cloth to 'settle' the receptors
💡 TipsUse BEFORE a challenging tactile situation (haircut, doctor visit, swimming). Children who seek vibration (humming, pressing against washing machine) often respond dramatically well.
Clothing Desensitisation Programme
3.6
★★ Moderate⏱ 15–20 min daily
🎯 Reduce distress from clothing textures and seams; build tolerance for standard clothing
  1. Week 1: Child selects one 'uncomfortable' item. Holds it, then places on forearm for 30 seconds
  2. Week 2: Item put on over preferred clothing (layered) for 5 minutes during a preferred activity
  3. Week 3: Item worn directly on skin for 5 minutes. Remove before distress escalates.
  4. Week 4: Item worn for 10–15 minutes. Child rates comfort 1–5.
  5. Week 5: Gradually extend wear duration by 5 minutes per session
  6. Throughout: apply compression underlayer first as proprioceptive 'shield'
💡 TipsAlways inside-out initially to remove seam contact. Cut tags from all new clothing immediately; iron flat any remaining seam bumps.
← 💪 Proprioceptive All Systems
💬 Questions about tactile exercises?
Mitra can explain the Wilbarger brushing protocol, graded desensitisation, and how to make tactile activities work for your child's specific sensitivities.
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