Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments for Children and Adults

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

What Is Sensory-Based Motor Disorder?
Signs and Symptoms of Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
Causes and Risk Factors of SBMD

14 min read

Impact of SBMD on Daily Functioning
Diagnosis: How Is Sensory-Based Motor Disorder Identified?
Treatment for Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
At-Home Strategies and Support for SBMD
Is sensory-based motor disorder the same as dyspraxia?
Can sensory-based motor disorder be mistaken for ADHD?
Does SBMD affect speech and communication?
Do kids grow out of sensory-based motor disorder?
Can adults have sensory-based motor disorder?

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD) – A Complete Guide

What Is Sensory-Based Motor Disorder?

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD) is a subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) that affects how the brain interprets sensory input to plan and execute physical movement. Children and adults with SBMD may appear clumsy, uncoordinated, or delayed in motor skills, even though their muscles and joints are physically healthy.

There are two primary forms of SBMD:

Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder): Difficulty planning and performing new or complex motor tasks.
Postural Disorder: Poor core strength and stability affecting posture, balance, and coordination.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory-Based Motor Disorder

Children and adults with SBMD often show the following signs:

✅ Dyspraxia:

Difficulty learning new movements (e.g., riding a bike, tying shoes)
Trouble with multi-step tasks (e.g., brushing teeth, dressing)
Speech challenges (verbal dyspraxia or apraxia of speech)
Appears awkward, uncoordinated, or messy

✅ Postural Disorder:

Poor posture or slouching
Weak core strength and muscle tone
Fatigue during physical activities
Difficulty sitting upright or maintaining balance

These challenges can affect school performance, social participation, and daily independence.

Causes and Risk Factors of SBMD

SBMD is believed to result from inefficient sensory integration—particularly how the brain processes proprioceptive (body awareness) and vestibular (balance/movement) input. Rather than coordinating motor actions smoothly, the brain may misinterpret signals from the body and environment.

Risk factors include:

Premature birth or low birth weight
Prenatal complications (e.g., exposure to toxins, maternal stress)
Developmental delays or genetic predisposition
Co-occurring conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, speech delays)

Importantly, SBMD is not a result of laziness or lack of effort—it’s a neurological difference.

Impact of SBMD on Daily Functioning

SBMD can significantly affect how a child or adult moves through daily life:

In school: Difficulty with handwriting, gym class, or following directions
At home: Struggles with dressing, grooming, and staying organized
In sports: Poor balance, coordination, and body awareness
Emotionally: Frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem due to perceived clumsiness

When left unsupported, SBMD can also affect emotional regulation and social development.

Diagnosis: How Is Sensory-Based Motor Disorder Identified?

SBMD is typically diagnosed by a licensed occupational therapist (OT) through a comprehensive evaluation. This may include:

Clinical observation of posture, balance, and coordination
Standardized motor assessments (e.g., BOT-2, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales)
Parent/teacher questionnaires
Evaluation of motor planning, body awareness, and movement patterns

An accurate diagnosis is essential to guide the right intervention plan.

Treatment for Sensory-Based Motor Disorder

Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach is the gold standard for treating SBMD. Therapy focuses on:

Improving motor planning and sequencing
Building postural strength and endurance
Enhancing coordination and body awareness
Developing independence in self-care and school tasks

Treatment techniques include:

Obstacle courses to build planning and timing
Core strengthening activities (e.g., climbing, balancing)
Tactile play to improve body feedback
Games that involve crossing midline, sequencing, and rhythm

Therapy is typically done 1–2 times per week and customized to the individual’s needs and goals.

At-Home Strategies and Support for SBMD

Parents and caregivers can reinforce progress at home with simple, purposeful movement activities such as:

Yoga and animal walks for core strength and balance
Simon Says and dance games for motor planning
Arts and crafts to improve fine motor control
Heavy work activities (pushing, pulling) to boost proprioceptive input

Consistency and positive reinforcement help build confidence and skill mastery.

Is sensory-based motor disorder the same as dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is one form of Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD). It specifically refers to difficulties with motor planning—learning and executing new movements. SBMD also includes postural disorder, which affects strength, stability, and balance. Both are subtypes of SPD.

Can sensory-based motor disorder be mistaken for ADHD?

Yes. Children with SBMD may fidget, seem inattentive, or have difficulty following directions—similar to ADHD. However, these behaviors often result from motor planning or coordination issues, not attention deficits. An occupational therapy evaluation can help clarify the root cause.

Does SBMD affect speech and communication?

Yes. Dyspraxia can affect oral motor planning, leading to speech delays or apraxia of speech. Children may struggle to form words clearly, especially under pressure. Speech therapy and occupational therapy often work together to address these challenges.

Do kids grow out of sensory-based motor disorder?

Some children improve with age and therapy, but many require ongoing support. Without intervention, SBMD can impact self-esteem, academic performance, and independence. Early therapy can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Can adults have sensory-based motor disorder?

Absolutely. Many adults with unrecognized dyspraxia or postural challenges were never diagnosed as children. They may avoid physical activities, feel disorganized, or struggle with everyday coordination. Occupational therapy can still help improve function and confidence in adulthood.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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