An individual with tactile defensiveness appears to overreact to sensation that most people do not particularly notice, or at least not bothered by. Common signs of tactile defensiveness include: sensitivity to certain types of clothes or fabrics; preference or aversion to foods which seems texture related; avoidance of touching substances such as finger paint or mud, or of getting one's hands messy; avoidance of walking barefoot on particular surfaces such as sand or grass; a greater than normal resistance to having teeth brushed, hair combed or face washed; and a tendency to prefer to touch rather than be touched, especially when the touching is unexpected.

Being overly sensitive to touch; withdrawing, crying, yelling or striking when one is touched.

A disorder in which a child interprets tactile stimulation or kinds of touch in an unusual manner, such as complaining that a light touch hurts, that a firm touch tickles. The child might try to avoid hugging, hand holding, different textures of food, etc.

A heightened awareness of the senses.

Heightened sensory awareness.

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