Sensory-motor deficits in children with developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic disorder

Abstract

Children who have been diagnosed with any one developmental disorder are very likely to meet diagnostic criteria for some other developmental disorder. Although comorbidity has long been acknowledged in childhood disorders, little is understood about the mechanisms that are responsible for the high level of comorbidity. In a series of studies, we have investigated the link between sensory-motor deficits and developmental disorders. Poor sensory-motor integration has long been implicated as a cause of motor problems in developmental disorders such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and our recent research has also investigated sensory-motor deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic disorder. Based on a critical examination of relevant literature and some of our recent research findings, we argue that the importance of poor sensory-motor functioning in discriminating children with different disorders has been underestimated. Poor sensory-motor coordination appears to be linked to DCD, but not ADHD. Also, sensory-motor deficits in children with DCD and autistic disorder may provide insight into some of the social difficulties found in these groups of children. This research will increase our understanding of why children with one developmental disorder typically also have problems in other areas.

Fine motor skills and effects of methylphenidate in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and developmental coordination disorder

“…In the DSM-IV, the comorbidity between DCD and ADHD is poorly recognized (Piek and Dyck 2004). Poor motor performance in children with ADHD is directly attributed to inattention and hyperactivity.…”

Intact procedural motor sequence learning in developmental coordination disorder

“…Clinically, DCD children have been observed to experience difficulties automatizing their gestures: for instance, in contrast with peers, movements to tie shoes continue to require particular attention, even after a great deal of practice. In support of this procedural learning deficit hypothesis, some studies have showed that dysfunction of cerebellum and basal ganglia might be involved in the pathogenesis of DCD (Brookes, Nicolson, & Fawcett, 2007;Cherng, Liang, Chen, & Chen, 2009;Marien, Wackenier, De Surgeloose, De Deyn, & Verhoeven, 2010;Piek & Dyck, 2004;Zwicker, Missiuna, Harris, & Boyd, 2011). For instance, Zwicker et al (2011) explored brain activity during motor procedural learning (trail-tracing task using a joystick) in 7 children with DCD and 7 matched controls.…”

Working memory, reading, and mathematical skills in children with developmental coordination disorder

“…In particular, they can have co-morbid reading disabilities and general learning difficulties (Kaplan, Wilson, Dewey & Crawford, 1998;Piek & Dyck, 2004).…”