Re: preemie-l RE: Pain
Jackiemark@aol.com
Thu, 13 Jun 1996 11:34:32 -0400
One thing that we have learned about tactile defensiveness is that a child
with this condition can learn to adjust and be more accepting of touch and
different textures if the changes are done in on a gradual basis.
For example, our 4.5 former preemie has severe tactile defensiveness and
through one on one OT therapy we have managed to lessen her reactions to
various different stimulus' by introducing different textures to her in small
amounts and gradually building up the time spent with those textures.
The different textures used are water, lotion, jello, pudding, shaving creme,
uncooked beans, rice... In therapy and at home, Laura plays with these
different textures to get used to feeling things against her skin. The idea
is to get her used to touching other textures and work on allowing others to
touch her in a non-threatening environment and follow through with these
excercises at home.
Laura still has some days that she won't allow the therapist to toch her
hands to illustrate an example or she won't let her Dad hug her. But overall
she is alot better now with allowing everyday items against her skin. With
patience and time and therapy I know her sensitivity will continue to lessen
although it will probably never comepletely disappear.
For any child that has tactile defensiveness, I highly reccommend an OT
evaluation. The therapist can suggest a home program that can help the
parent deal with the issue and focus on a solution rather than the problem
itself. It is never too late for a child to get help or for parents to learn
that help of this kind is available.
Jackie
Mom to Laura - 30 week gestation now 4.5 and David - 3 yrs NDA