Atypical Sensory Processing Profiles and Their Associations With Motor Problems In Preschoolers With Developmental Coordination Disorder

Misaki Mikami,Sumi Kato,Manabu Saito,Michio Takahashi,Kazuhiko Nakamura,Yui Sakamoto,Junko Yamada,Kazutaka Yoshida,Tomoya Hirota,Shuhei Koeda,Masaki Adachi

doi:10.1007/s10578-020-01013-5

Abstract

The aims of this study were to identify sensory processing profiles specific to preschoolers with DCD in a community sample and examine the association of sensory processing problems with motor coordination difficulties in these children. Sixty-three 5-year-old children with DCD and without other neurodevelopmental disorders and 106 age-matched typically developing children participated in this study. Sensory processing problems were assessed using the Sensory Profile. Our results demonstrated problems in wide sensory processing patterns (low registration, sensitivity and avoiding) and areas (auditory, vestibular, touch and oral) in children with DCD compared with typically developing children. Additionally, the association of problems in sensory processing patterns (sensitivity and avoiding) and areas (touch and auditory) with motor coordination difficulties were identified in children with DCD alone. Our findings indicate that sensory processing abnormalities may contribute to the pathophysiology of DCD, suggesting the importance of assessing sensory processing functions in children with DCD.

Highlights

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by motor coordination impairments, which significantly interfere with activities of daily living and academic performance
Significant main effects between two groups were observed in multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) on the total and subscale scores on the MABC-2 (F(4, 162) = 43.62, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.52) and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) (F(3, 163) = 9.64, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.15)
We examined sensory processing profiles specific to preschoolers with DCD diagnosed through methodologically rigorous processes consisting of screening in a general population sample and a subsequent in-person assessment

Summary

Introduction

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by motor coordination impairments, which significantly interfere with activities of daily living and academic performance. The motor coordination difficulties of children with DCD generally occur in the early developmental period and are not explained by intellectual delays, visual impairments, or other neurological conditions that affect movement [1]. The most often reported prevalence of DCD is between 5 and 6% in children but can range from 2 to 20%, depending on the study sample and ascertainment methodologies [1, 2]. Children with DCD are less likely to participate in self-care, leisure or physical activity, especially team sports [5, 6]. A relationship has been reported between reduced physical activity and poor self-efficacy [7, 8] and lower life satisfaction [9] in children with DCD

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