Research library/Sensory & Motor

Category 4 of 12:

Sensory & Motor

Building the physical and sensory foundations — from handwriting to hypersensitivity — that everyday participation depends on.

6 therapies · 2 groups · 1 review published

How we grade the evidence:

Strong — multiple trials or reviews, consistent resultsModerate — good evidence, generally acceptedEmerging — promising, still earlyLimited — well-studied and not shown to help, or too little study to knowControversial — significant debate among researchers, use cautionHarmful — documented risk of harm — not recommended

Occupational Therapy

Building the skills for daily life — dressing, writing, playing, and everything in between.

Strong evidence

Occupational Therapy (OT) – Daily Living Skills

Supports independence in self-care, play, school, and work-related activities.

All agesComing soon
Emerging evidence

Sensory Integration Therapy (Ayres SI)

One-on-one Ayres Sensory Integration shows promise for how the brain processes sensory input; looser "sensory" add-ons like weighted vests don't.

Ages 0–12Read review →
Moderate evidence

Handwriting Without Tears / Fine Motor Programs

Structured curricula to improve handwriting and fine motor control.

School ageComing soon

Physical & Movement Therapies

Gross motor strength, coordination, and regulation through movement.

Moderate evidence

Physical Therapy (PT)

Addresses gross motor delays, balance, coordination, and strength.

All agesComing soon
Emerging evidence

Aquatic Therapy

Therapeutic exercises in water to improve motor, sensory, and social skills.

All agesComing soon
Limited evidence

Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)

Uses rhythmic movements to integrate primitive reflexes and improve regulation.

All agesComing soon
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