If your autistic child likes to be tickled this can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. In this article we explain why your child may be so fond of it.
Autism and tickling
Autism is a complex condition which will affect children in different ways.
With that being the case, each autistic child is unique and may have different sensory preferences and aversions.
While some autistic children may find tickling uncomfortable or overwhelming, there are many instances where kids with autism may enjoy being tickled.
Below, we aim to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and shed light on why tickling can be a source of enjoyment for some autistic children.
Sensory factors
Sensory processing differences are a hallmark of autism.
Many children with autism experience either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimulus, which can manifest in various ways.
Tickling can engage multiple sensory channels, including touch, proprioception, and sometimes even laughter.
This can provide a unique sensory experience that can be appealing to some autistic children.
The touch of tickling may stimulate their sensory system in a pleasurable manner, creating a positive sensation.
Proprioceptive Feedback
Proprioception refers to the sense of body position and movement.
This plays a crucial role in how we perceive and navigate our environment.
Autistic children may struggle with proprioceptive processing, which can result in difficulties with body awareness and coordination.
An example of this would be if you close your eyes and raise your hand, you still have an idea of where your hand is and how high it is without actually seeing it.
This is because of proprioception. It helps us move smoothly, maintain balance, and coordinate our body movements.
An autistic child or individual may not have that same positional awareness.
Tickling, with its gentle touch and unpredictable movements, can provide valuable proprioceptive feedback.
It can help autistic children become more attuned to their bodies, improve their sense of body boundaries, and enhance their awareness.
A social connection
Autism is often associated with challenges in social interaction, but that doesn’t mean that autistic children don’t crave social connection in their own unique ways.
Tickling, when done in a safe and familiar context, can be a form of positive social interaction.
It allows for a shared experience between the child and a trusted individual, such as a family member.
The laughter and smiles elicited by tickling can foster a sense of connection and emotional bonding, helping the child feel understood and loved.
Predictability
Predictability and consistency can be crucial elements for autistic children.
Some softer forms of tickling can be predicable, typically when it involves light touches, gentle movements, and repetitive patterns.
This predictability can be comforting and reassuring for autistic children who may find unexpected or chaotic sensory experiences overwhelming.
This form of tickling, with its consistent and repetitive nature, provides a sense of familiarity and control over the sensory input.
Emotional regulation
Emotional regulation can be challenging for some autistic children, particularly when faced with overwhelming or intense emotions.
Tickling can serve as a means to regulate emotions and provide a form of emotional release.
The laughter and joy experienced during tickling can act as a natural stress reliever and reduce anxiety.
With this pleasant side effect it is no surprise an autistic child may crave to be tickled.
Conclusion – Autistic child likes to be tickled
While not all autistic children enjoy being tickled, it is important to note that it can be very enjoyable for others.
For some autistic children, tickling can provide a unique and predicable sensory experience which can actually be a stress reliever.
By understanding the reasons behind their enjoyment of tickling, parents can possibly use it as an avenue to speech and social development.
Ultimately if an autistic child enjoys the process of tickling this is a positive in many ways.
It is a fun and easy way of tightening the bond between parents and children.
