Sensory Processing & Motor Skills: How They're Connected in Children with Down Syndrome

Aug 29 / Nikita Oosthuizen
Have you ever noticed how your child reacts to touch, movement, or sounds—and how that sometimes affects how easily they can move? For example, maybe they shy away from certain textures, or get overwhelmed on a swing, or need extra hugs to feel calm.

A new 2024 study published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research found that this connection is real: children with Down syndrome often experience sensory processing differences—especially with touch—and these are linked to challenges with balance, walking, and coordination (Martínez-Sanz et al., 2024).

When you support your child’s sensory needs, you’re also supporting their movement skills. It’s two-for-one growth: stronger sensory regulation and better motor development.
What the Research Tells Us

In the 2024 study published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, researchers looked at children with Down syndrome (average age about 10 years) and compared them to typically developing children. They found that:

  • Kids with Down syndrome had more difficulties in many sensory areas: touch, sound, vision, and movement.
  • Touch sensitivity in particular was strongly connected to how well they could balance, stand, and walk.
  • In short: sensory processing and motor skills aren’t separate—they go hand in hand (Martínez-Sanz et al., 2024).

This tells us that paying attention to your child’s sensory experiences is not just “extra.” It’s a key part of helping them move, play, and explore with more confidence

A Parent Checklist: Sensory Signs & Matching Activities

Here are some everyday sensory signs you might notice in your child, with simple movement activities you can try at home.

These ideas are based on the 2024 study as well as occupational therapy resources (Bundy, Lane, & Murray, 2020; Case-Smith & O’Brien, 2015).
Tips for Using This at Home

  • Start small: Even 5 minutes of sensory play can make a difference—like rolling on a cushion before bedtime.
  • Watch your child’s cues: If they look calm and engaged, you’re on the right track. If they look stressed, pause or slow down.
  • Make it fun: Pretend to be logs rolling down a hill or animals stomping their feet—play makes practice joyful.
  • Repeat often: Short, frequent practice works better than one long session. Over time, little steps build big progress.

Final Thought

Sensory processing and motor skills are deeply connected for children with Down syndrome. Supporting one helps the other. By turning everyday moments into gentle sensory–movement activities, you’re giving your child the tools to feel calmer, stronger, and more confident in their world.

Remember: it’s not about “fixing” your child, it’s about supporting the unique way they experience life, and celebrating their small steps forward.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on Small Steps Online is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, therapeutic, or developmental advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers, therapists, or relevant professionals regarding your child’s specific needs and situation. The September Institute and Small Steps Online are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information shared here.

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