The Effects of Sensory Processing Disorder in Relation to Praxis Skills in Young Children with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore if children with learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention disorders experienced praxis deficits due to sensory processing disorder (SPD). Fourteen participants (ages 7-13, 10 Male, 4 Female) with documented LD and/or ADHD were recruited from Starpoint School. Ten participants had both a LD and ADHD. Participants completed a praxis assessment of gross and fine motor skills. A parent/guardian of each participant completed a Winnie Dunn Sensory Profile Questionnaire to assess sensory processing patterns. Participants' overall gross motor mean scores were higher compared to fine motor (3.62 ± .27, 3.54 ± .07). The Winnie Dunn results indicated that participants with comorbid disabilities most commonly scored between +1SD and +2 SD, and above +2 SD in the Visual, Movement, Oral Sensitivity, Conduct, Social Emotional, and Attentional categories and Seeking and Sensitivity quadrants. Statistically significant correlations were found at both alpha levels of 0.05 and 0.01 between the self-regulation praxis skill and various sensory categories/quadrants (i.e. seeking quadrant). It can be suggested that a child with comorbid LD and ADHD may experience decreased or increased sensitivity thresholds that decrease their ability to execute successful praxis, more specifically self-regulation fine motor tasks. Decreased praxis abilities exacerbate existing symptoms leading to dysfunction at school, home, and in the community.