I'll tell you why I can't wear those clothes!: Talking about tactile defensiveness

by Noreen O'Sullivan

Overview

Do you know a child who hates the feel of certain items of clothing? This is a child's perspective on a largely unrecognized condition called tactile defensiveness, a physical condition that causes hypersensitivity to certain touch sensations.

Intended for adults and children to read together, the illustrated book explains reasons a child may become emotionally overwhelmed by daily routines such as putting on clothing, socks and shoes. The workbook format allows children to express and explore their own feelings through drawings or words, in order to explain their misunderstood behavior.

A perfect book for children, families, teachers, therapists and other professionals dealing with tactile defensiveness suitable to be read with children aged 4 and above.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787756625
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Pages:	56
Sales rank:	722,810
Product dimensions:	8.19(w) x 7.87(h) x 0.16(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Noreen O'Sullivan worked for many years as an elementary school teacher. She is the mother of three young daughters with different sensory processing issues. She in a New Yorker now living in Denmark with her family.

Editorial Reviews

I'll Tell You Why....I Can't Wear Those Clothes!' provides an unusual interactive book format directed to parents, kids and professionals alike and uses the 'drawing journal' format to discuss 'tactile defensiveness,' or hypersensitivity to certain kinds of touch (and, by definition, certain kinds of clothing). It's a photographic workbook written from a child's perspective that explores why dressing often becomes a challenging daily routine, and it provides plenty of insights into simple methods to overcome clothing resistance. Parenting, health, psychology and education collections alike will find this a highly accessible, unique coverage.

The Midwest Book Review

This beautifully produced book about a little understood condition known as tactile defensiveness... Designed for being used with and adult parent or carer, the book will provide lots of points for discussion and for understanding just how the child feels... The story is charming and gentle... There is a considerable list of useful websites at the end of the book which should help in practical ways. An interesting book which will provide empathy and understanding.

Healthy Books

A great tool for understanding what life can be like when a child has some degree of tactile defensiveness. The 'drawing journal' format will greatly improve the necessary communication between child and adult, and assist in coming to terms with the challenges they face each day. It expresses the emotions of many children I work with and offers helpful coping tips. This short and sweet campaign for awareness and acceptance will hopefully lead to the necessary occupational therapy treatment needed by so many children.

Lina Bluteau

It's perfect. From start to finish. I am so proud to be a small part of it. I really am.

Jessica Ralli

A fantastic interactive book that can educate children, parents and professionals alike, about the challenges Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can present, and how the child and the adults around it, can handle these challenges. The book leaves no doubt that awareness, understanding and individual considerations are key in enabling a child to cope with SPD.

Camilla Egelund

Children with Tactile Defensiveness often have difficulty describing the physical reasons behind their sensory feelings about bath water, clothes, shoes etc. This book allows the child to express their emotions in their own way either by drawing, writing or talking. The language is gentle and kind therefore guides parents, teachers, and friends to take a caring approach when addressing the special needs of the child that occur on a daily basis.

Claus Hancke

Children, both neurotypical and those with a diagnosis of whatever kind, can all experience the feeling of clothing that distracts them and makes them feel uncomfortable at some point in their childhoods. This book gives them a way to realise that it is okay to feel these emotions and ways to try and express what they do like. When dealt with sympathetically, children will often find their own solutions to sensory issues and feel comforted simply by being understood. It is a very simple book with an effective message that would be a good place to start if your child is having difficulties of this kind.

Special Needs Jungle