Autism Therapy: tactile

definition of tactile: not yet defined.

No Factsheets to Display

Should Tactile Sensation Impairment be Considered in Pharmacotherapy of Pervasive Developmental Disorder? A Case Report
Neuroendocrinology Letters, by Ghanizadeh, A., published in 2008, summarized Mar 11, 2009

Sertraline may help in the treatment of tactile defensiveness in people with autism.

People with autism often have trouble processing sensory input. Sertraline is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant that is also known to help with pain and itching. This case report describes a woman with Aspergerâ??s syndrome who was given sertraline drug therapy and could better accept the feel of rough textures. Right after starting sertraline therapy, the woman was better able to wear scratchy clothes. The author suggests that further research be done to see if sertraline is a good option for the treatment of people with this sensory pattern.


Replacing Overt Verbal and Gestural Prompts with Unobtrusive Covert Tactile Prompting for Students with Autism
Behavior Research Methods, by Anson, HM, Todd JT, and Cassaretto KJ, published in 2008, summarized Dec 22, 2008

Vibrating pagers may be a good tool for prompting children to stay on-task in the classroom.

This study was designed to see if vibrating pagers could be used as a hidden prompt for on-task behavior in a first grade classroom. The authors found that the pager was a good prompt to help children with autism in a classroom setting. The pager was able to reduce the need for overt teacher prompting as required during applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy). The pager was also good because it allowed the prompt to be given even if the teacher was across the room from the child. The authors note that the study design used a "whole-interval recording procedure" which may not have allowed for a good count of the amount of problem behavior.


The Effects of Graduated Exposure, Modeling, and Contingent Social Attention on Tolerence to Skin Care Products with Two Children with Autism
Research in Developmental Disabilities, by Ellis, EM, Rosales SS, Glenn SS, Rosales-Ruiz J., and Greenspoon J., published in 2006, summarized Nov 15, 2006

Tactile defensiveness (extreme sensitivity to anything on the skin) can be overcome by step-by-step exposure, modeling, and rewards.

Children with autism are more likely to have tactile defensiveness. Tactile defensiveness can cause problems when children will not allow application of skin care products such as lotion, or medicated creams. Additionally, children can be prevented from participating in normal life activities like playing outside because they cannot tolerate sun block or dirty hands. The authors treated two children with tactile defensiveness using a method combining step-by step exposure to a lotion, modeling its use, and rewarding with hugs, tickles, smiles, and praise upon completion of each step. The children were never forced to complete a step. By the end of treatment both children were able to tolerate having lotion on their skin.


Showing 3 results

Customized Outdoor Playset Helps Child with Autism Learn and Play

Jan 3, 2011

Caldwell Hunt, a youngster with autism, gets therapy and good times on his custom built outdoor playset. Play Outside Playsets in Alabama designs and builds playsets to suit any child’s developmental needs. Caldwell’s playset includes a rock wall, rope ladders, zip line, and slides. The Hunt’s say that while the unit is large, it takes into account all Caldwell’s needs in the areas of balance, tactile skills, and coordination. The Hunts would eventually like to start a sensory playgroup for other kids with autism.

Read original article: Playset Helps Development in Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder


Researchers Receive Funds to Study Sensory Integration Therapy for Children with Autism

Jan 19, 2010

Stephen Camarata, Ph.D. and Mark Wallace, Ph.D., researchers at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, received funding to study the results of sensory integration therapy on children with autism. Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a treatment for autism that is used with a lot of children; however, it has does not yet have a lot of evidence-based research to support it. Sensory integration therapy typically uses techniques to help children overcome tactile sensitivities. Camarata and Wallace plan to do a pilot study with 40 children to compare SIT to "a well-established language acquisition technique." They will study children's brain waves to measure socialization and behavior. Camarata and Wallace explain "It is not known whether children with autism have a 'sensory processing deficit' or whether higher cognitive functions — which develop later — are involved."

Read original article: Autism Study to Evaluate Sensory Integration Therapy


Animal Therapy for Children with Autism

Aug 5, 2009

Animal therapy for children with autism is not limited to service dogs - cats like children with autism too. Animal therapy provides a lot of therapies rolled into one: tactile stimulation as the child strokes the animal, social skills as the child communicates with the animal, and responsibility as the child learns to care for the animal. It is important to research what breeds work best with children - service animals may be expensive, but a good friendly pet from the animal shelter may work just as well. Interestingly enough, cats, which often seem independent, seem to deal well with autistic children. In addition, cats are clean and do not need to be walked!

Read original article.


Memory Aids Help Students with Autism

Feb 3, 2009

Memory aids for most of us include alarm clocks, kitchen timers, and calendars, but for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, memory aids may need to be more visual and tactile. Children may respond well to visual schedules, which help keep them organized and provide structure to daily events. Other interventions to jog a child's memory include picture symbols, voice-output, and picture boards. Parents can create visual schedules themselves or find assistance through companies like Adaptivation and Enablemart.

Read original article.


Showing 1-4 of 7 results

No Comments to Display


Please comment on tactile or other autism therapy topics.

  • Factsheet
  • Research
  • News
  • Comments.
    • Share |