Problems with Touch

In order to teach your child to sign, it will be necessary to touch his hands in order to shape and prompt signs. Many children with autism are very sensitive to touch and so it will be necessary to find ways to help your child become tolerant of someone touching his hands.  When children are exposed to hand touch during playful situations they may begin to de-sensitize to touch and therefore become less avoidant when you need to touch their hands during teaching.  Try tactile activities like playing with play dough, digging in a sandbox, water play, finger-paint, playing "patta-cake" and any other activity that involves touching different textures.  Also keep in mind that some children with autism are very sensitive to light touch but tolerate a more firm touch. As your child becomes more comfortable with his hands being touched firmly, he may become increasingly accepting of lighter touch. Get to know your child's preference for touch and incorporate touch into his play. It will be important to introduce these activities slowly and to never force your child to touch things that he is not yet comfortable with.