Soothing Strokes - A Reflex Level Activity

1. A cloth bag
2. A selection of squares of textured fabrics (at least 2 of each). For example silk, cord, faux fur, suede, velvet

1. Before the activity make sure that the environment is quiet and uninterrupted.
2. Use the person’s name to introduce the activity.
3. Draw the person’s attention to the fabric and say ‘touch’ or ‘feel’.
4. Choose one of the fabrics and take time to move it over the person’s hand/cheek.
5. Ask the person if they like the feel of it. Say ‘doesn’t it feel lovely and soft/silky/ furry’.
6. Try using another fabric and take time to stroke the person’s hand/cheek.
7. If the person appears to react particularly positively to any of the fabrics, use that one again to move over their hand/cheek.

Written by Sophie Jopling and Sarah Mousley from Kent Occupational Therapy