Tactile Defensiveness?

Well she just does not seem to like anything that is 'snug.'

Some kids, and adults, are this way.

The difference is: DOES it, cause a problem in everyday life to the point that it disrupts, normal life? or not? If it does, then... that is a 'problem' because the person cannot get on with normal daily life, otherwise.
If the person can still get on with daily life and it does not impede nor handicap them nor others over it... then, it is an "annoyance."

Thus, it is about discerning... the degree of, the issue's intrusion, into daily life or not.

My daughter, pull and tugs at her panties. I remember as a child doing that too. It was for me, a phase. I just did not like it, the feeling of it, bunching up or the seams etc. But I was fine and it was, I knew, a phase. I was cognizant of that.

For my daughter, it does not impede, her daily life nor her ability to get dressed or to wear clothing. She wears jeans and pants and what not. She just tugs at her panties. She has no medical issues or problems. She's just a little picky.

I've had several friends with a child with this sensitivity. See an OT and start sensory integration therapy. Works wonders! Good luck!

I still have this tactile sensitivity as an adult and can definitely relate. My solution? No underwear. For dresses and skirts? Leggings underneath. It may sound extreme, but the level of discomfort that underwear causes can be excruciating. My guess is flip flops and bras will pose challenges as well. Good luck!

I've lived with this and other sensory integration issues my whole life, but when I was little, there were no names for my weirdness. She may deal with it better over time. I finally got so I could mostly ignore most annoyances (but certain noises drive me crazy, much violin music being in that unfortunate category).

You might try letting her wear her undies a size too large, and inside out to keep most of the seams away from her skin. All cotton may be much less irritating for her than synthetics or cotton blends.

Here's a very good website to explain senosry phenomena, and you can use the extensive checklists to find out whether your daughter has any other characteristics. http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-proces...

There are all sorts of things that can be done to help kids with sensory issues, but you have to know what they experience first.

My nine year-old daughter has always only worn soft cotton, stretchy, and loose fitting clothing. No jeans! One scratchy seam on something and she won't wear it. She will wear underwear but only one brand and style. Her socks can't even have extra designs or seams stitched on them or she won't wear them.

I've never thought that was odd, because I am the same way. I have to try on everything before I buy and it has to feel just right, or I can't wear it. I can't have a sweater that is the least bit itchy, or jeans the least bit tight in the wrong places. Shoes have to fit perfectly. Hardly ever wear a bra, unless I absolutely have to and it comes off the second I'm home. I wear sun dresses all summer, mostly without any underwear.

I really don't think this is reason for therapy, unless possibly this is also showing up in other parts of her life and causing issues at school or something(?) Just make sure her clothes are comfortable for her. And underwear is optional anyway, who will know the difference?

So I just looked up "tactile defensiveness" and my daughter shows NONE of the other signs listed there. Just as you said about yours.

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It might be worth it to spend a shopping day with her and allow her to try on a range of things in different fabrics, sizes etc.

There are circumstances where she is going to be required to wear certain undergarments or other clothes and , OT, Sensory intergration or desensitization strategies can help with that, but while she's at home she can be allowed to "go commando" Maybe get her a loverly robe or loungy pajamas that she can wear around the house.

some people just like to be naked! lol i do. as soon as i come in the door i start stripping. don't know why but i know others who are the same way. i almost feel claustrophobic with clothes on, i hate tight fitting anything! i wear a bra because it is mandatory(can't let the girls hang low) but other then that if it;s not period time i hate wearing underwear. never been to the doctor about because i know that it takes all kinds to make the world go round! not saying that you shouldn't take her but this might just be the way she is. best wishes!

I would talk to her doctor and see if they have any thoughts on this. You have already done what I would have suggested, so next step is talking to the doctor. Good luck!

M

We ALL like to be as comfortable as possible in our clothes, right?
She's going through a phase is my guess, a new awareness of how things "feel". I would continue to let her try new panites, let her pick the package each time. When she doesnt have anything else occupying her mind that's probably when she starts noticing how her clothes feel on her, sounds like she needs to stay occupied by redirection when you notice her starting to get squirmy, then she'll forget... for a bit... until this passes.

This is a sensory issue. I've not heard the term tactile defensiveness but my grandson has developmental issues which includes tactile sensitivities. Start with the pediatrician. My grandson's pediatrician then referred him to other specialists.

Besides the sensory issues to consider, I'd also think about any medications she may take. My son had this problem and I finally broke down one day and called the doctor for a referral to a psychologist when he had a meltdown about his underwear when getting ready for preschool.(He was 5 at the time). Before I scheduled an appointment with the psychologist, I inadvertantly found out Claritin was making his skin super sensitive. I didn't see much info in the label, but found plenty of info on the internet describing this as a problem for many people. BTW, my husband has the same reaction and has to use Zyrtec. Because my son was so young, all he could tell me was his underwear, shorts, shirts, etc were too tight . Just another aspect to think about, hope it helps.

Parents Helping Parents in San Jose might be able to help. www.php.com
They have a library with lots of books on various subjects such as sensory integration and Tactile Defensiveness. Schools have occupational therapists, but I'm not sure if your daughter would qualify for services through them. The pediatrician might be able to write you a prescription for OT services so that your insurance would pay for it.

Some people with tactile defensiveness are also picky eaters -- they only like things that are crunchy or soft, or room temperature, etc.. Have you noticed that?

I found some fabrics very "scratchy" as a child. I buy cotton and take out the tags as much as possible.

My son went to a OT for years for tactile defensivness and other sensory issues. At school (he's in a special day class) they give him a "sensory diet" every day -- exposing him to different textures, brushing him with a surgical brush (on his arms) and giving him deep pressure. He sometimes wears a weighted vest. (At the dentist we always put the x-ray apron on him even when he's not getting an x-ray.) He loves deep pressure -- he likes it when I give him pressure on his forehead.

Its best to consult with a OT or other professional before starting this at home. There will be things that are obvious to them that you haven't noticed.

Good luck!