Özet:

Purpose: The aim of the study is to compare the tactile preferences of normal developing children and children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and investigate the relationships between tactile preference and somatosensoriel perception. Material and methods: 15 normal developing (Group I, n = 15 ) and 15 (Group II, n = 15) child with pervasive developmental disorder were asked to identify their tactile preference by Tactile Stimulus Preference Test and somatosensoriel perception was assessed with somatosensory subsets of Southern California Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. Results were compared. Results: Group I choose hard objects significantly more than soft objects (r:0,823, p<0,05); while Group II had no significant tactile preferences (r: 0,322, p<0,05). Tactile preferences was strongly correlated with finger identification subtest in Group I (r: 0,873; p<0,05). conclusion: The preference of hard objects and avoidance from soft objects for Group I suggest that children with PDD have decreased tactile awareness and need increased proprioceptive input. This must be taken into consideration while organizing therapy interventions and selecting rehabilitation materials

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