The Effectiveness of Sensory-Motor Integration on Clumsiness in Children with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important problems of children with nonverbal learning disabilities is clumsiness and poor coordination. This issue prevents children’s academic achievement and socio-emotional development. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory-motor integration on clumsiness in children with nonverbal learning disabilities. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed through pre-test and post-test. For this purpose, 7 children with nonverbal learning disabilities (4 boys and 3 girls) in grades 2 to 5 of elementary school in Tehran, Iran, were selected using non-random sampling method. The Lincoln-Oseretsky motor scale was completed before and after the intervention and the data were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. Results: Sensory-motor integration had a positive significant effect on balance (P = 0.017), rough motor skills (P = 0.018), fine motor skills (P = 0.016), bilateral coordination (P = 0.012), and total clumsiness score (P = 0.016). Conclusion: The results showed that sensory-motor integration caused a significant difference in clumsiness in children with nonverbal learning disabilities and improved their motor skills in the four areas of balance, rough motor skills, fine motor skills, and bilateral coordination.

Keywords

• Sensory-motor integration methods
• Clumsiness
• Nonverbal learning disability