Sensory Fun: Messy Play
Play Dough and Shaving Cream Help with Tactile Defensiveness
One of the best ways to help a child with sensory processing disorder cope with tactile defensiveness is through the use of messy play.
Some children who deal with sensory processing disorder experience tactile defensiveness. Parents who have a clear understanding of the nature of the tactile defensive child can incorporate “messy play” activities at home. These activities can have a positive effect on the child's sensory needs.
Overview of Tactile Defensiveness
• Children with tactile defensiveness are over-sensitive to touch and other tactile input when compared to their peers.
• Messy play provides the child with a fun way to experience new textures.
• Increased exposure to a wide variety of textures decreases the child’s level of tactile defensiveness.
Messy Play Idea – Play Dough
Children with tactile defensiveness often do not initially like play dough. There are many themed play dough kits available; find one that your child likes and sit down with him for some play dough fun. Encourage your child to use his hands as tools for manipulating the dough. As he gets more comfortable with the play dough, add small items into it thus changing the texture. An example would be to add beads to the play dough; this changes the way the dough feels in the child’s hand creating new sensations.
Messy Play Idea – Shaving Cream
An inexpensive can of shaving cream can create a great opportunity for your child to experiment with new textures. If your child also has a sensitive sense of smell, it would be wise to find a fragrance-free brand of shaving cream. Spray the shaving cream on a mirror and allow the child to write or draw with his fingers. Once he is more comfortable with that sensation, encourage him to make handprints; using the entire hand gives a completely different feeling than using fingers alone.
Messy Play Idea – Feet Painting
Tactile input isn’t limited to your hands. Feet painting is another fun and easy way for a child to experience new tactile sensations. Start off slowly and just paint a toe or two and allow the child to walk on paper. As he sees the neat designs his feet can make, start putting paint on a larger area of his foot; eventually working your way up to covering the entire foot in paint. Experiment with different textures of paper to add to this sensory experience.
These are just a few ideas to incorporate messy play into your day while allowing your child the opportunity to experience new tactile sensations in a comfortable manner. For more sensory integration ideas read the article Sensory Fun: Heavy Work Activities.
