Every single person that lives on this planet needs physical touch. The ability to receive the touch is different. However, the need is there. The stipulation in some circles is that neurodivergent individuals do not like touch. It simply is not true. While some have sensory issues with touch and have to be careful on receiving it, need physical touch. Our family uses physical touch as a grounder and communicator. I will be discussing this today.
My daughters both have communication issues. It is important to use physical touch to reinforce the verbal response you give them. It can be as simple as a touch to the arm or a turn of the head. It grounds them to the conversation. They now have two or more sensory inputs when communicating. If we are dealing with an individual with ADHD this is very important. They need a grounding point. Depending on your relationship with them a light or heavy touch will help them stay with you. I usually will play with Leah's hair as I am speaking with her. I with stroke her arm. This might seem very odd to an outside viewer. I am simply helping navigating her through a conversation so she remembers. I also will rub Sharon's back as we are talking about something. Our family is very physical. It is all about the communication aspect. Sharon often will reach out. She is the most physical communicator. She will often use touch to communicate her needs. She often wants to be grounded through it. Sharon is often lacking in words. She will find a way to communicate through her body.
Physical touch is a way to ground oneself. What exactly does that mean. Everyone feels overwhelmed at times. The world does comes to fast and swallows you up. Neurodivergent individuals have this happen more often as they have a hyper awareness. Physical touch helps ground your sensory system. We have so many things to simulate this action. We have weighted blankets, hug blankets, and compression clothing. It is replacing what natural personal touch would do. We will often cuddle our teenage daughters. They need that physical touch. This prevents a lot of meltdown and sensory overloads.
We hold ourselves back with physical touch. However, physical touch is many things. It can be an effective tool in communication. It can help ease anxiety in those who are feeling overwhelmed. We can also use it as a way to communicate on how to touch. What would be the best way to touch? Some people like hugs but some don't. The key is to open the communication. Physical touch is one of those lines.
