Messy Play Day

Messy Play with Shaving Cream. Less than a year ago, JC wouldn't even touch it. He now squishes it around eagerly ... For a short time. 

Messy play: Tactile Aversion Therapy

Nothing shows Tactile Aversion and Defensiveness quite like messy play.  Notice the 2-finger pincher grasp, the hesitation to touch anything but the powder and the immediate "escape" response when the applesauce touches his fingers.  What the video doesn't show is the coaxing that occurred before he would even sit at the table with the food.  He has become accustomed to this type of messy play and is usually able to participate for a few minutes, but knowing that he can say "all done" and have his hands wiped is a very important aspect of the "trust" that he feels which allows him to do this.