Developmental and sex differences in sensory and motor functioning

The sensory and motor functioning of normal children (N = 119) ages 4 to 13 years old were examined for developmental and sex differences in relation to neuropsychological functioning. Sensory and motor subtests of the Dean-Woodcock Neuropsychological Assessment System (D-WNAS), a standardized instrument, were administered. Significant differences between the older and younger children were found, suggesting that developmental differences exist for sensory and motor functioning. The older children significantly outperformed the younger children on all subtests except for visual confrontation. Differences between males and females and the interaction between sex and age were not significant. The present findings coincide with previous research showing clear maturational differences in sensory and motor functions.