Top 6 ways to decrease tactile defensiveness in children with sensory processing disorder

Ways To Decrease Everyday Stimuli

1. Weighted Blanket

Light touches can really bother most children with sensory processing disorder. It can feel ticklish, itchy, scratchy, hurtful, or even painful. Deep pressure helps kids get acclimated to different types of touch. Starting with a good weighted blanket can be very helpful. Weighted blankets should only be 10% of the child’s body weight, so for smaller children, be sure to start with the lightest (around 5lbs). Also, when selecting a good weighted blanket, make sure the weight inside the blanket is sewn into squares, rather than one large blanket that the weight falls into the corners.

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Weighted blankets can be quite costly, but getting a good one can make all the difference for your child. I found a local woman on Facebook that handmade them, letting my daughter pick out the colors AND textures of both sides of the blanket she wanted. It is her most used sensory tool by far!! Check out my post on Best Weighted Blankets for Kids and to find out how and where to buy a weighted blanket.

2. Deep Pressure Massage

Some kids enjoy a deep pressure massage. Be cautious with this one because this can actually aggravate some children. Always make sure to use an unscented lotion and pay close attention to how they react while massaging. Some kids only like one body part massaged, like their back, while others like multiple body parts. Whitney really likes her back and the backs of her upper legs massaged. It does have to be a very deep pressure though for her to become relaxed, so pay close attention while massaging your child.

3. Stretchy Clothes

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If a child cannot handle a deep pressure massage, then they may benefit from receiving the pressure from their clothes. Wearing particularly stretchy clothes can offer a deep pressure throughout their day. City Threads is an SPD friendly company I have used for Whitney for years. They offer clothes with no tags, no seams, and just enough stretchy compression to help her throughout the day. Their clothes are also very plain, which you may have discovered by now can be an issue for kids with SPD. Check out my article, Top Sensory Friendly Clothing Companies, to find more help with clothing.

4. Pressure Vests or Ace Bandages Worn Over Clothes

Some kids require lots of daily pressure and may need to wear a Sensory Compression Vest. This can be worn under clothes and can offer the deep, weighted pressure their body requires all day.

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You can always try wrapping Ace Bandages around their body to see if they like this type of pressure. Or if they only require pressure around one particular body part, wrap an Ace Bandage around that body part.

5. Sensory Compression Sheet

I purchased a sensory compression sheet for Wes as he did not like the weight of a weighted blanket, but likes to squeeze into small spaces. This offers the same compression as a weighted blanket, but is light weight, breathable, and stretchy. He enjoys getting sitting under the sheet and feeling pushed down from his head down. This can be helpful for kids who toss and turn and may have trouble keeping a weighted blanket on top of them.

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6. Wilbarger Brush Protocol

This was the first treatment Whitney’s OT suggested we use. It consists of a soft bristled brush that the adult uses to provide firm pressure on the kiddos body. You start with the arms and work your way to the feet, but the face and chest do not receive treatment. If your child has sensitive hands, like Wade does, you can also do this on their palms to help aid in sensitivity. This process should be done every 2 hours (I know…that’s a lot, just do your best) for 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, you do joint compressions on their arms and legs. An OT can assist you with how to complete this protocol, or you can look up videos online.

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