Wilbarger Therapeutic Pressure Brush

Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA, developed the Wilbarger Protocol and the Wilbarger therapeutic brush to reduce sensory and tactile defensiveness. Tactile defensiveness is common in children on the autism spectrum, as well as those with Sensory Processing Disorder.  Sensitivity to touch can cause a fear or resistance to being touched, difficulty transitioning between activities, and/or lethargy. There is not much documented research on the Wilbarger Protocol. However, many parents of children with Autism have reported seeing decreases in sensory defensiveness and anxiety as a result of using the Wilbarger brushing technique. Some of the benefits of the Wilbarger Protocol may include improved ability to transition between daily activities, improved attention span, a decreased fear or discomfort of being touched, enhanced coordination, and self-regulation. The complete routine usually only takes 2-3 minutes. The first step in the therapy involves using the soft, plastic, Wilbarger se