Ever wondered why your child hates getting dressed, rejects certain foods, or drags their hands along the surface of everything? Most likely the tactile sense is playing a role.
The tactile sense involves the sensation of touch. Seekers don’t always receive the proper input and therefore seek it out in seemingly extreme ways. Avoiders get an onslaught of sensory input from the tactile sense and tend to retreat or fight certain textures.
The interesting thing is that the remedy is the same.
Get sensory input.
The seeker will probably welcome this. The avoider needs to experience tactile sensory activities in a slow and controlled way. Don’t push it. Baby steps all the way. It may take seven opportunities of being exposed to a certain texture before a child will even touch the object.
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Unlike the other lists, I only have two categories. Sensory bins, and everything else! Sensory bins don’t have to be pretty or beautiful. Just try different things. Add some tempting toys. You’ll see amazing things! Here’s a great introduction to sensory bins by my buddy Susie.
Sensory Bins
Beach and Seashell Sensory Bin
Mathematical Dinosaur Sensory Bin
Number Recognition Sensory Bin
Everything Else
Play in the leaves
Play in the mud
Play in the snow
Play in the sand
Play with food
Play with a fidget
(These recipes do NOT include Borax)