Tactile (Touch) System

The Tactile System involves input gained through receptors in the skin. Areas of greatest concentration are the mouth, hands, and soles of feet. It is activated by contact with the skin. Types of skin receptors include those for Pressure, Temperature, and Pain.

There are two separate systems:

• Protective system. Alerts to danger, such as heat that can burn
• Discriminative system. Provides feedback as to the tactile features of what is touched where it is located

Characteristics of Tactile Sensitivities

• Sensitive to when others get too close or enter the person’s space causing escalation of discomfort and anxiety.
• Describes touch as painful. The thought of touch increases anxiety and possibly ‘escape’ behaviors.
• Overly sensitive to heat or cold, especially heat.
• Prefers/needs to touch and feel objects to identify and discriminate.
• Wears inappropriate clothing for outside weather (under or over dressed.)
• Only tolerates specific types of clothing, especially soft or smooth.
• Plastic/ protective materials used for work tasks may be irritating (example rubber gloves).
• Tags on clothing can irritate and cause significant discomfort.
• Prefers firmer touches to body, or no touching of body. Light touch may be perceived as ‘dangerous’.
• Sensitivity to food textures. May not tolerate some textures such as custard or mashed potatoes while seeking out chewy or crunchy textures.
• Intolerant of wearing glasses/hearing aid.
• Avoids getting hands dirty.

Strategies to Address Challenges

• Wear soft cotton next to the skin.
• Discuss accommodations for clothing or adaptations to required uniforms to address tactile sensitivities
• Explore the effectiveness of using clothing or items that provide pressure to calm the tactile system.
• Opportunities for swimming, hot tubs, and other water activities.
• Hand ‘fidgets’ (small round, smooth, squishy items) that can be available in the workspace and/or in pockets.
• Develop and communicate need for personal space. Describe specifically the amount and type of space needed.
• Corner or end desk/work area rather than middle of group to allow room to move as needed.
• Room dividers to provide personal space (use office dividers, file cabinets, room screens, curtains, bookshelves, etc.).
• Respect food choices. Do not pressure to ‘try it’.
• Provide locations to take a break away from large groups.

Considerations for Employment:

While every individual is unique and no one aspect of the individual's strengths or challenges can determine the right employment options, it is critical not to assume individuals with ASD cannot succeed in many environments. In some situations, the difference may actually be the factor that leads to unique employment opportunities. Employment examples below are offered as a way to think differently about the potential of individuals with ASD.

• Design or assist in development of clothing needed clothing for variety of work industries that are smooth to skin and adjustable for all employee needs.
• Design tools for eating or other daily activities that are tactile-friendly.
• Consult on development of products to identify problem areas that could arise in different settings, i.e.- cold and hot temperature, taking a shower
• Design clothing and other items that avoid the need for zippers, buttons and other fine motor manipulation

Return to the Sensory page of the Employment and the Youth with ASD guide.