Abstract

The development of the tactile sense in children who are blind is essential for these children to advance. The following paper gives an introduction and an overview to the importance of the tactile sense in children who are blind. This paper aims to define and identify the role that a hypersensitivity to touch and/or tactile defensiveness plays in their overall development. Key elements from the literature and eleven semi-structured interviews with the professionals who work with these children are combined to construct an art therapy approach. The main goal of this approach is to foster a sense of tactile development in children who are blind and tactile defensive. The research done thus far in this area is sparse. Further knowledge and research are needed in order to advance this particular area of research. The implementation of an art therapy approach for this population can be fundamental in aiding their overall development.