Perceptual deficits in clumsy children: inter- and intra-modal matching approach--a window into clumsy behavior.

Abstract

This article will focus on the underlying perceptual deficits that might lead to inadequacies in motor performance in children. Two lines of enquiry have dominated the literature: visual-perceptual deficit and/or visual-motor deficits and proprioceptive deficits. The theoretical and methodological shortcomings in these approaches are discussed. Then attention is primarily directed toward the concept of inter- and intra-modal matching (sensory integration), particularly with respect to vision and proprioception, an ability deemed to underlie many real-life motor skills. Such an approach allows parallels to be drawn between behavioral manifestations of motor impairment and potential underlying neurological information-processing disorders, particularly as these relate to hemispheric competence.