Autism Therapy: tactile defensiveness

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.