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There are several subtypes of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and in today’s episode we dive into Sensory Based Motor Disorder. We talk about dyspraxia and postural disorder - what they look like and what you can do to help promote the skills involved!
Be sure to check out the links below!
Introduction to SPD 1 Hour Training
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Ep. 123: Breaking Down Sensory Modulation Disorder
STAR Institute - Subtypes of SPD
Research - Rock Climbing for SPD
Does your child seem clumsier than their peers or struggle with balance and coordination? Have trouble learning to skip or tie their shoes?
Many parents and therapists notice these motor difficulties early on. Still, they may not realize they could be rooted in something called Sensory-Based Motor Disorder, a subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD) refers to challenges with balance, coordination, and motor planning that are directly related to how the brain processes sensory input. According to the STAR Institute:
“Sensory-based motor disorder is difficulty with balance, motor coordination, and the performance of skilled, non-habitual and/or habitual motor tasks.”
Children with SBMD may appear clumsy, trip often, or struggle with both gross and fine motor tasks. They may avoid physical play or become easily fatigued, not because they’re unmotivated—but because their sensory and motor systems aren’t working smoothly together.
Sensory Processing Disorder is commonly broken into three main subtypes:
Sensory Modulation Disorder.
Sensory Discrimination Disorder.
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder.
Within Sensory-Based Motor Disorder, there are two further branches:
Dyspraxia.
Postural Disorder.
Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), refers to difficulty planning and carrying out new or complex motor tasks. A child with dyspraxia may understand what they want to do, but their body has trouble coordinating the movements to make it happen.
Common signs of dyspraxia in children:
Frequent falls or bumping into things.
Difficulty skipping, jumping rope, or catching a ball.
Avoidance of sports or physical games.
Trouble with fine motor tasks like tying shoes or using utensils.
Preference for sedentary activities.
Struggles with pretend play or generating movement-based ideas.
These children often feel frustrated. They may avoid movement altogether—not because they’re lazy or uninterested, but because it’s genuinely difficult for their brains and bodies to work together.
Postural disorder is characterized by low core strength and poor postural control, making it hard for a child to maintain a stable position while sitting or moving.
This can lead to:
Slouching or leaning frequently.
Falling out of chairs.
Fatigue during play or seated tasks.
Difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking.
Weak reflexive reactions to catch themselves when falling.
Postural control can be broken into two types:
Static control: Holding still against gravity (e.g., standing on one foot)
Dynamic control: Maintaining balance while moving (e.g., running or climbing)
Children with postural disorder may lack the internal "body map" (calledbody schema) that helps them understand where they are in space. They may also have delayed or weak reflexes, making them more injury-prone.
Children with sensory-based motor challenges might:
Struggle with coordination-heavy games or sports.
Appear “floppy,” tired, or unable to keep up with peers.
Have difficulty dressing themselves or climbing on playground equipment.
Trip, fall, or bump into others frequently.
Seem to "freeze" during new or complex motor tasks.
These challenges can be misinterpreted as laziness, disinterest, or even behavioral issues—when, in fact, the root cause is neurological.
Interestingly, research shows a connection between ADHD and postural instability. Children with ADHD often show increased postural sway, meaning their bodies have trouble staying steady during quiet standing.
This can contribute to the clumsy or “hyperactive” movements often observed. It’s all connected.
Executive functioning (affected in ADHD) plays a role in motor planning, which is why some children with ADHD may also benefit from sensory-based motor interventions.
The good news is that, with the right activities and supports, children with SBMD can improve their coordination, strength, and motor planning over time. Here are research-backed, therapist-approved activities to help:
Rock Climbing: Builds coordination, core strength, and motor planning.
Obstacle Courses: Encourage sequencing, balance, and whole-body movement.
Scooter Board Play: Lying on your stomach or back to build core and coordination.
Bosu Ball Games: Sit, jump, or balance for core strengthening.
Therapy Ball Exercises:Bounce, sit, or walk out with hands in a plank position.
One-Leg Balancing, Hopping, or Ski Jumps
OT Tip: Use painter’s tape to create a “tightrope” on the floor and have your child walk heel-to-toe across it.
Jump Rope or Skip Ball: Challenges timing and movement planning.
Balance Beams & Balance Buckets
Swinging: Preferably on open swings or platform swings to promote balance reactions.
Walking on Pillows or Cushions: Great for balance and proprioception.
Animal Walks (e.g., bear crawl, crab walk): Build body awareness and strength.
If your child consistently struggles with coordination, balance, or fatigue, and it impacts daily life, it may be time to speak with your pediatrician or seek an occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT) evaluation. Therapists can provide customized interventions that address the “why” behind the behavior and build essential skills for lifelong success.
Understanding sensory-based motor disorders—especially its subtypes, dyspraxia and postural disorder—can be a game-changer for families and professionals alike. What may seem like clumsiness or low energy is often a reflection of how a child’s brain and body are working hard to process and respond to the world around them.
By recognizing the signs early and implementing supportive, sensory-rich activities, you can help your child gain strength, coordination, and confidence. Remember, progress is a journey, and every small step forward is worth celebrating.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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