In 2022, our project set out to address a crucial question: Can tactile defensiveness in children be reduced by educating parents on strategies to calm the nervous system? This objective formed the core of our initiative, which ran successfully twice during the year, each time with approximately four parents per group.

The project’s sessions were conducted remotely, over Zoom, with each session lasting approximately one hour.

The project unfolded over a few key sessions:

Session 1: Establishing the Foundation

The inaugural session focused on familiarising participants with the project objectives and gathering insights into each family’s specific situation. Recognising the unique needs and challenges of every child was paramount, as it laid the groundwork for tailored strategies in the subsequent sessions.

Add-on Sessions: Teaching Emotional Regulation Strategies

The add-on sessions were focused on empowering parents with tools and techniques to assist their children in managing any overwhelm connected to wearing types of clothing. This practical learning experience wasn’t just about the children wearing an item of clothing; it aimed to empower them with the knowledge that when they feel overwhelmed – in any situation, they were in control of it.

Final Follow-Up Session

The concluding session served as a platform for reflection and celebration of the progress made during the project. Parents shared their success stories, solidifying the bonds that had formed over the course of our engagement. It was a testament to the determination of parents and their children in positive change.

Fostering a Supportive Community

In addition to the Zoom sessions, we maintained a private Facebook group. This digital community served as a hub for project participants to stay engaged, motivated, and connected. It facilitated the exchange of success stories and practical ideas, supplemented by video tutorials for additional guidance.

Our project, “Tackling Tactile Defensiveness,” went beyond mere knowledge-sharing sessions. It nurtured a community of individuals united by their commitment to improving the lives of their children.

Looking back at the project’s accomplishments in 2022, we see a mosaic of achievements and connections. I wonder what would happen if we did another project, that included educating school staff?  Now, that’s a project worth doing!

Project Outcomes

Our project, focused on reducing tactile defensiveness in children by educating parents, has yielded amazing results.

Out of the eight participants who embarked on this journey, six fully engaged, attending all training events with unwavering commitment.

What truly sets this project apart are the tangible outcomes we’ve witnessed. Among the six dedicated families, four children made outstanding progress in reducing their tactile defensiveness. This achievement isn’t merely a statistic; it’s a testament to the profound impact that our project has had on these children and their families.

The progress made by these children has transcended their individual well-being, influencing the entire family dynamic. As tactile defensiveness lessened, so did the stress and strain that often accompanies such challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our project’s outcomes speak volumes about the difference that education, engagement, and support can make in the lives of children with tactile defensiveness and their families.

The progress achieved by these children goes beyond mere numbers; it represents a brighter, more promising future. We are incredibly proud of the transformations we’ve witnessed, and we look forward to continuing our mission to unlock calm and potential in even more lives in the future.

Building on the foundation laid in our previous pilot project, we’re gearing up to collaborate with schools and educational institutions.

Our goal is to provide essential training and support to school staff, extending our reach to a core group of children within an educational context.

By educating teachers and support staff about strategies to address tactile defensiveness, we believe we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This expansion means that our project will not only benefit individual families but also make a tangible difference within the broader community.

Announcement

As we continue to expand our project and take it to schools, we’re thrilled to announce that from January 2024,  School Members will receive the invaluable benefit of free training for both staff and families on the effective approaches used in our pilot project.

This exciting step represents a key milestone in our mission, that continues to breakdown the barriers for children struggling with emotional dysregulation in education.