18 Nov Tactile Hypersensitivity During Bath Time: A Detailed Look at Common Challenges
Bath time can present unique challenges for children with autism who experience tactile hypersensitivity. While many children might dislike certain aspects of their bath routine, those with tactile hypersensitivity may find these sensations intensely uncomfortable, or even painful.
This sensitivity to touch can make bathroom routines difficult, becoming a significant source of distress for both the child and their caregivers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how tactile hypersensitivity manifests during bath time, focusing on specific challenges related to toothbrushing, towels, bath time resistance, and even toileting problems.
What is Tactile Hypersensitivity?
Tactile hypersensitivity, or “sensory defensiveness,” refers to an exaggerated sensitivity to touch. For a child with autism, tactile input—whether it’s the feel of water, soap, a toothbrush, or a towel—can be perceived as uncomfortable, irritating, or even painful. This heightened sensitivity can trigger meltdowns, anxiety, or a refusal to participate in bathroom routines.
As children with tactile hypersensitivity often struggle to communicate their feelings, their discomfort may be interpreted as defiant or resistant behaviour. However, their response is often an attempt to avoid sensations that overwhelm their sensory system.
How Tactile Hypersensitivity Appears During Bath Time
The bathroom environment is filled with various sensory inputs, many of which can be particularly triggering for a child with tactile sensitivities. Below are some common ways tactile hypersensitivity can affect bathroom routines:
- Toothbrushing Sensitivities
Children with tactile hypersensitivity often find toothbrushing challenging. The sensation of bristles against their gums can be extremely uncomfortable, and for some children, the texture or taste of toothpaste can be unbearable.
Examples of tactile sensitivities during toothbrushing:
- Even soft-bristled brushes may feel harsh or prickly against sensitive gums.
- The foamy texture or strong taste of toothpaste can be overwhelming, causing some children to gag or resist brushing altogether.
- A child may avoid brushing their teeth, cover their mouth, or become distressed when it’s time to brush.
- Towel Sensitivities
Tactile hypersensitivity often extends to the texture of towels. After a bath, many children with autism may resist being dried due to the texture of the towel, the sensation of being rubbed dry, or the temperature difference between the bath and the air.
Examples of towel sensitivities:
- A towel that feels scratchy or rough on the skin can cause discomfort. Even towels that feel “normal” to others might be distressing to a child with hypersensitivity.
- Children may complain that the towel “hurts” or feels “scratchy,” leading to avoidance.
- The physical sensation of drying (rubbing the skin) may feel too intense, causing the child to resist or avoid being dried.
- Bath Time Resistance
For some children, the process of bathing itself is difficult to manage. The sensation of water on their skin, particularly when splashed or poured over their head, can be overwhelming. Soap and shampoo may further intensify these sensitivities, leading to meltdowns or bath time refusals.
Examples of bath time resistance:
- Children may avoid getting into the bath or scream when placed in the water due to the sensation of water on their skin.
- The slippery or sticky texture of soap or shampoo may feel unpleasant, making the child resist washing.
- Many children with autism struggle particularly with hair washing. The sensation of water running over their head or face, combined with the feel of shampoo, may cause them to pull away, cover their head, or cry.
