my 8 year old daughter and tactile defensiveness?

Question

My 8 year old girl is about to begin therapy for tactile defensiveness she is to be brushed head to foot 3 times a day... could anyone tell me what it is... and if it is what's affecting her moods, sleep... barely any. she cries alot for an 8 year old... would it affect these things??? let me know if you need any more information

Answer 1

Tactile defensiveness is over-reaction to touch. What most people people think is a light brush on their skin, a person with Tactile Defensiveness feels as a searing pain.

It is currently believed to be caused by neurological dysorganization in the midbrain region of the brain.

Anything that touches her skin will feel differently to her then it does to you or I. Clothing that to us, may feel itchy, to her is unbearably painful. The fact that she cries a lot for an 8 year old may be that she is trying desperately to maintain some level of control. When she is in more comfortable clothing, she is in a better mood. When she is in painful clothing, her mood worsens and anthing could set her off on a crying spree.

Another problem could be sleep deprvation, if she is having a problem sleeping.

I have heard that dressing in sweat suits feels more comfortable, so having her sleep in such a thing, may help her sleep better. Or try flannel sheets and sleep on top w/o covers (adjust the rooms heat to be comfortable).

In addition to the brushing, I would suggest lots of firm contact. Laying your hand on her head while she's seated at the table will be uncomfortable for her, but a strong hug when she gets home from school will actually feel better, and will help both of you to feel better. The reason for the brushing, (and my strong contact suggestion) is that the current therapy for tactile defensiveness is ... contact (good contact!!)

Answer 2

Brushing is using a special brush to stroke the arms, torso or legs of a child with tactile defensiveness to help accustom the body to light touch. It can really help to calm a child or stimulate them, depending on how the strokes are, and how the brush is used. It can help with relaxing a child to help them sleep. Another technique to help relax a child is to use deep pressure on their legs. Massage using firm pressure, from hip to toe. This tends to relax a child who needs that deep pressure sensation. Try looking up tactile defensiveness on the internet, and talk to the therapist about it all when she starts therapy. A good therapist will give you reading info on it and show you everything that they are doing so that you can duplicate it at home. Good luck! Sensory integration therapy really does help!

Answer 3

the best thing for her sleeping would be to get her some 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, or 100 % cotton jersey sheets. this should make her more comfortable. Remember she is in a lot of pain make her comfortable.