Tactile processing is the ability to detect and interpret touch sensations arising from the skin, muscles and joints. This is a key component of body scheme, the cognitive awareness of the organization of body parts. This is one of the largely “hidden” senses we use in daily living skills when touch, rather than vision is used to guide our actions. Skills such as oral hygiene, hair care, arranging clothing after toileting, reaching for specific items in your pants pocket are all dependent upon the ability to identify objects by touch rather than vision.
Touch receptors are stimulated when they are deformed, typically by pressure or stretch. Games and activities that stimulate touch receptors can help improve the ability to perceive/process touch sensations with greater efficiency. Both gross and fine motor skills are enhanced when tactile perception is improved.
Comments are closed.