Sensory Processing Disorder
Key Takeaways
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD) is a subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder that affects how the brain interprets sensory input to plan and carry out movement, so a child or adult may seem clumsy or uncoordinated even though their muscles and joints are physically healthy.
- SBMD has two primary forms: dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder), which is difficulty planning and performing new or complex motor tasks, and postural disorder, which is poor core strength and stability affecting posture, balance, and coordination.
- SBMD is a neurological difference believed to stem from inefficient sensory integration, particularly how the brain processes proprioceptive (body awareness) and vestibular (balance and movement) input. It is not the result of laziness or lack of effort.
- SBMD is typically diagnosed by a licensed occupational therapist through a comprehensive evaluation that may include clinical observation, standardized motor assessments such as the BOT-2 or Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, and parent and teacher questionnaires.
- Occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach is the gold standard for treating SBMD, focusing on improving motor planning, building postural strength, enhancing coordination and body awareness, and developing independence in self-care and school tasks.
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sensory-based motor disorder the same as dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is one of the two primary forms of SBMD, where there is difficulty planning and performing new or complex motor tasks. It is also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder. The other form is postural disorder, which affects core strength, posture, balance, and coordination.
What are the signs of sensory-based motor disorder in children?
Common signs include difficulty learning new movements like riding a bike or tying shoes, trouble with multi-step tasks such as dressing or brushing teeth, appearing awkward or uncoordinated, poor posture, weak core strength, fatigue during physical activity, and difficulty sitting upright or keeping balance. Some children also have speech challenges such as verbal dyspraxia.
What causes sensory-based motor disorder?
SBMD is believed to result from inefficient sensory integration, particularly in how the brain processes proprioceptive (body awareness) and vestibular (balance and movement) input. Risk factors include premature birth or low birth weight, prenatal complications, developmental delays or genetic predisposition, and co-occurring conditions such as autism, ADHD, or speech delays.
How is sensory-based motor disorder diagnosed?
SBMD is typically diagnosed by a licensed occupational therapist through a comprehensive evaluation. This may include clinical observation of posture, balance, and coordination, standardized motor assessments like the BOT-2 or Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, parent and teacher questionnaires, and evaluation of motor planning and movement patterns.
How is sensory-based motor disorder treated?
Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach is considered the gold standard. It focuses on improving motor planning and sequencing, building postural strength and endurance, enhancing coordination and body awareness, and developing independence in self-care and school tasks, using techniques such as obstacle courses, core strengthening activities, and tactile play.
