Tactile defensiveness, a sensory processing problem, results in aversive responses to touch. Its characteristic reactions are overt, negative behaviors that interfere with normal progress throughout the developmental domains. It can cause infants and toddlers to be at high risk for social, learning, and emotional problems throughout their lives. This article defines tactile defensiveness;
... [Show full abstract] presents sample behaviors to assist parents, caregivers, and professionals involved with infants and toddlers in recognizing the possible presence of this dysfunction; and offers suggestions to assist them in coping with and seeking appropriate treatment for this problem.
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