# 368 Treatment of Motor Issues in Children with Sensory Dysfunction

# 368 Treatment of Motor Issues in Children with Sensory Dysfunction is organized by MotivationsCEU and will be held from Oct 10 - 11, 2026.

Time: 11 AM - 6:00 PM EST (8 AM - 3:00 PM Phoenix, AZ time)

Description:
Children with sensory dysfunction are frequently referred to physical and occupational therapy with family concerns of poor coordination, weakness, hypo/ hypertonia, impaired balance and difficulty with motor skills. They are often labeled as awkward, lazy or clumsy, and have difficulty physically keeping up with their peers, or performing basic tasks such as running, jumping, & stairs. Therapists are aware that the difficulty with these skills is related to sensory dysfunction, but the sensory-based element of movement is an area that often eludes physical therapists, resulting in frustrating interactions and inferior outcomes. However, synthesizing gross motor function with a sensory system foundation can improve outcomes for this population.

This course provides practical insight into therapeutic interaction with children with both sensory system & gross motor dysfunction. Intervention strategies are provided, with the purpose of utilizing the sensory systems to effect change in gross and fine motor performance. This course does NOT aim to teach sensory processing integration therapy. Rather, it proposes how various essential components of “sensory-aware" intervention may be combined to facilitate purposeful effective results in the context of physical and occupational therapy treatment sessions.

The practical application of didactic information by way of simple techniques address the following obstacles to efficient gross and fine motor performance:

• Sensory dysfunction
• Insufficient postural control
• Foundational weakness
• Instability & related poor mobility & incoordination 
• Poor motor planning

Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe interdependent dynamics of sensory systems as they relate to gross and fine motor function to improve play skills.
2. Assess and identify specific areas of sensory dysfunction in pediatric clients who are referred to physical and occupational therapy for gross and fine motor challenges.
3. Apply skilled clinical reasoning in sensorimotor therapeutic interventions.
4. Develop sensory-based strategies to increase postural control, strength, coordination, motor planning, stability & mobility.
5. Explain evidence-based rationale for chosen therapeutic techniques to improve caregiver, team, and administrative communication and understanding.