Hyperactivity with tactile defensiveness as a phobia.

Conceptualizing some cases of hyperkinesis (those with tactile defensiveness) as tactile phobias provides the rationale for two unconventional management approaches modeled on the two most popular behavioral treatments of phobia: systematic desensitization and implosion. Both methods are adapted to a nonverbal level, befitting the age of the afflicted children and the nature of the problem. The first method uses the sensory integration techniques developed by Ayres to desensitize the child to touch systematically and gradually. The other method, developed by Henderson and Dahlin, uses restraint and intense tactile stimulation implosively to break through the fear and hyperactive resistance.