Sensory motor integration refers to a relationship between the sensory system (nerves) and the motor system (muscles). Also, it refers to the process by which these two systems (sensory and motor) communicate and coordinate with each other.

Sensory motor integration skills are developed during the period of growth from birth to about age 7. During these years, the child mainly senses things and then moves his body in relation to those sensations. His growth in all other mental and social functions will be based upon this foundation of sensory-motor integration.

In the process of developing sensory motor integration a child first learns to move and then he learns through movement. Learning to move involves continuous development in a child’s ability to use the body with more and more skillful purposeful movement. Then, through this movement, the child learns more about himself as he explores his environment.