Touching Makes Sense

Helping Sensory Challenged Kids Through Sense of Touch

Many of today's children suffer from conditions linked to a disorganized sensory system. ADD/ADHD, autism and sensory processing disorder are only a few of prevalent conditions that have their roots in the body's sensory system. No one is completely sensory balanced in every area. It's that imbalance that allows us to be strong in some areas and weak in others. It's what makes the Bill Gates of the word fumble around the basketball court while the Michael Jordons of the world struggle with email. It also gives credence to the saying that someone may be book smart but totally lacking common sense.

Generally the imbalance is more of a nuisance; but there are some whose world is heavily impaired by their sensory issues. All five of their senses are likely impacted but in varying degrees. Yet, the child that appears to have no issues with one of senses can still benefit from exercises in that area. The human body is complex with one system working in tandem with another. Therefore, the child may not exhibit a need in the touch sense but touch exercises may help a speech problem.

The tactile or touch sense operates without instruction. Through skin receptors our brain receives messages about our environment. Walk outside on a chilly evening and your brain will quickly let you know you need a jacket. The tactile sense is a continual conversation between our skin and brain.

Considering the brain receives, realizes and responds to millions of messages daily, it's no surprise that some of those messages are rerouted, lost or misinterpreted. When touch messages are lost in translation, the result is either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity.