If a child frequently or consistently shows several of the following reactions, he is showing tactile defensive behavior.
*AVOIDS BEING TOUCHED ON THE FACE. HE MAY MOVE HIS HEAD AWAY FROM THINGS THAT ARE NEAR HIS FACE. WASHING HIS FACE MAY BE ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT.
*FINDS THE TOUCHING DURING DENTAL WORK ESPECIALLY ANNOYING AND MOVES ABOUT A LOT IN THE CHAIR.
*IS VERY DISTRESSED ABOUT HAVING HIS HAIR CUT OR WASHED.
* DISLIKES IT WHEN PEOPLE TOUCH HIM, EVEN IN A FRIENDLY OR AFFECTIONATE WAY. PULLS AWAY FROM A HUG OR EVEN A PAT ON THE SHOULDER. AT OTHER TIMES, OR FROM OTHER PEOPLE, HE MAY ACCEPT THE SAME KIND OF TOUCH.
*TOUCHING THE CHILD WHILE DRESSING HIM MAY ELICIT A NEGATIVE REACTION. SIMPLY PULLING UP HIS SOCK MAY MAKE HIM REACT.
*DOES NOT LIKE IT WHEN SOMEONE BATHES HIM OR CUTS HIS FINGERNAILS.
*TENDS TO AVOID PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH FRIENDS, EVEN THOUGH HE LIKES TO TALK TO THEM AND RELATE WITHOUT TOUCH.
*BEING APPROACHED FROM BEHIND IS MORE THREATENING THAN IT IS FOR OTHER CHILDREN.
*HAVING PEOPLE NEAR HIM, EVEN WITHOUT TOUCHING, MAY CAUSE HIM DISTRESS.
*IS SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN FABRICS AND AVOIDS WEARING CLOTHES MADE OF THEM.
*DOES NOT LIKE TO GET HIS HANDS IN SAND, FINGER PAINT, PASTE, ETC.
*AVOIDS GOING BARE FOOT, ESPECIALLY IN SAND OR GRASS.
*TAGS IN CLOTHES ARE A BOTHER.
*WHEN HE WAS AN INFANT, EXPERIENCED GREAT DISCOMFORT WHEN HIS NOSE OR EARS WERE CLEANED WITH SWAB.
*OFTEN PREFERS LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT AND WEARS A SWEATER OR JACKET EVEN WHEN HE IS WARM.
* HAS UNUSUAL NEEDS FOR TOUCHING OR AVOIDING TOUCHING CERTAIN SURFACES OR TEXTURES, SUCH AS BLANKETS, CARPETS, OR STUFFED TOYS.