Sensory processing in Brazilian children with developmental coordination disorder, possible DCD, and typical...

Although underexplored, the literature has suggested that children with motor difficulties experience sensory processing alterations, limiting their participation in daily activities. In that sense, investigating sensory processing in children with neurodevelopmental challenges, such as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), can yield valuable insights into the characteristics of this population and support decision-making by health and education professionals regarding assessment and intervention. This study compared sensory processing patterns between children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), possible DCD (pDCD), and typical development; and (2) examined associations between motor outcome measures and sensory processing. Caregivers of 694 children (mean age = 8.03 ± 1.43; 50.8% girls) completed the Short Sensory Profile 2 (which provides information on four sensory processing patterns: seeker, sensor, avoider, and bystander), DCD Questionnaire, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Children's motor outcomes were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2. Motor outcomes and other Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for DCD classified children into three groups: (i) with DCD, (ii) pDCD, and (iii) typically developed. Results reveal significant differences (p < 0.001) between the groups across the four sensory processing patterns: children with DCD presented increased bystander patterns (34.6%). The sensor and bystander patterns showed a negative correlation with motor outcomes. The bystander emerged as a predictor of motor outcomes (B: -0.166 to -0.411; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that bystander sensory processing patterns may contribute to the motor difficulties observed in children with DCD, particularly in their reduced ability to perceive sensory input compared to their peers.