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

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Children with motor difficulties often exhibit sensory processing alterations.
• Investigating sensory processing in neurodevelopmental disorders like Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) offers critical insights.
• Understanding these patterns aids professionals in assessment and intervention for affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sensory processing patterns among children with DCD, possible DCD (pDCD), and typical development.
• To examine the relationship between motor outcome measures and sensory processing in these groups.
• To identify specific sensory patterns associated with motor challenges in children.

Main Methods:

• Caregiver questionnaires (Short Sensory Profile 2, DCD Questionnaire) and sociodemographic data were collected from 694 children.
• Children's motor skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2.
• Children were classified into DCD, pDCD, and typically developed groups based on motor outcomes and DSM criteria.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in sensory processing patterns were found across all groups (p < 0.001).
• Children with DCD showed a higher prevalence of bystander sensory patterns (34.6%).
• Sensor and bystander patterns negatively correlated with motor outcomes, with bystander patterns predicting motor performance.

Conclusions:

• Bystander sensory processing patterns are associated with motor difficulties in children with DCD.
• This pattern may reflect a reduced ability to perceive sensory input, contributing to motor challenges.
• Findings support the importance of considering sensory processing in the assessment and intervention for DCD.