# Congenital absence of touch does not preclude normal cognitive and socioemotional development

## TL;DR

A person born without the ability to feel touch still developed normal social and emotional skills, challenging the idea that physical contact is essential for emotional development.

## Contribution

This study presents the first known case of congenital absence of touch and demonstrates normal socioemotional development despite this condition.

## Key findings

- Kim, who lacks touch perception, has normal intelligence and social functioning.
- Kim's socioemotional development was supported through non-tactile cues like gaze and sound.
- The study challenges the necessity of touch for secure attachment and self-awareness.

## Abstract

Attachment theory holds that development of normal affective and social behavior requires physical contact between infant and caregiver. The elevation of touch to paramount importance has gone unchallenged because, prior to the present study, no individual with a congenital lack of somatosensation has been reported, much less studied for psychosocial development. Here we describe Kim, who since birth, has been unable to perceive touch, temperature changes, or pain on the body surface. Despite her inability to sense physical contact, Kim has above-average intelligence. She functions normally in social situations with a variety of people, recognizing emotions in herself and others and demonstrating appropriate affect. Kim experiences anxiety that appears grounded in realistic fears and uncertainties particular to her somatic insensitivity, thus serving as adaptive vigilance in reaction to an abnormal sensorium. Her normal socioemotional development, evident from an early age, likely resulted from Kim being able to appreciate her parents’ loving care through gaze, movement, and hearing. In sum, Kim upends the idea of touch as critical to developing a sense of self, secure attachment, and family bonds.