How Movement + Sensory Integration + Thinking Skills Work Together to Support Kids with Autism

Inspired by the 2025 narrative review published on PubMed (Baladaniya et al., 2025)

At Brain Connex Therapy, we’ve always believed that a child’s brain, body, and sensory system work best when they work together. A new article published in early 2025 takes a deep look at this idea—specifically how combining movement, balance, and sensory input at the same time can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) build stronger motor skills, better focus, and more confidence in daily life.

This research is exciting because it supports what we see every day: when kids practice moving, thinking, and sensing all together, their brains become more organized, adaptable, and ready for the real world.

What the Research Found

The review looked at many different studies on balance, gait, and sensory-motor training for kids with autism. One of the biggest takeaways is that children often do better when therapy doesn’t happen in separate “silos.” Instead of doing a motor activity here and a cognitive task there, kids made more progress when these skills were combined.

For example:
A child might practice walking across a balance beam while naming animals… or stand on a wobble cushion while answering simple questions.
These “dual-task” activities challenge the brain in a powerful way. Kids learn how to control their body while also paying attention, thinking, reacting, or making decisions — which is exactly what life requires.

Another key point from the review is the importance of sensory-motor integration. Children with ASD often experience differences in how they process sensory information (like movement, touch, sound, or vision). When their sensory system feels disorganized, motor skills and emotional regulation can feel harder.

By weaving sensory input into movement — for example, using balance equipment, stepping over obstacles, or practicing with different visual or tactile cues — the brain learns to interpret information more accurately. Over time, this improves coordination, confidence, and emotional regulation.

The authors also highlight that these integrated approaches sometimes lead to improvements in executive functioning — skills like attention, planning, and self-regulation. This is especially meaningful for families who see their children struggle not just with motor skills but also with transitions, impulse control, or staying focused.

How This Connects With What We Do at Brain Connex Therapy

This research feels incredibly aligned with our mission. Many of the strategies discussed — reflex integration, sensory-based movement, cognitive challenges layered onto motor tasks — are the foundation of our sessions.

We love using activities that mix balance, movement, and thinking. For example, a child might jump in a pattern while remembering a sequence, or crawl through an obstacle course while identifying letters or shapes. These activities create a “whole brain, whole body” experience that strengthens the pathways needed for learning, behavior, and self-regulation.

The review also emphasizes the value of making activities feel meaningful and engaging. This is why we use purposeful setups that engage the brain and body. When children are having fun, their brain is more open to learning — and the improvements carry over to home, school, sports, and friendships.

Why This Matters for Your Child

When movement, sensory input, and thinking skills are practiced together, children often show improvements in:

• Balance and coordination

• Core stability and posture

• Gait patterns

• Focus and attention

• Emotional regulation

• Flexibility with transitions

• Confidence during play, school, and social situations

Parents tell us all the time that once their child’s body begins to feel more organized, everything else becomes easier. It becomes easier to follow directions, easier to stay calm, easier to sit and learn, and easier to interact with others.

That’s because the brain isn’t working in separate parts. Everything is connected — and when we strengthen those connections, kids thrive.

Supporting Skill Growth at Home

You can bring these concepts into your home in simple, playful ways. Try activities like:

• Walking heel-to-toe across the room while naming animals

• Bouncing on a mini trampoline while skip-counting

• Balancing on one foot while tossing beanbags

• Crawling through a tunnel to find hidden objects

• Carrying a weighted ball while answering “would you rather” questions

These little moments of moving + thinking + sensing create big changes in brain development.

The Big Picture

The 2025 review confirms what many parents have noticed intuitively: children — especially those with sensory or developmental challenges — benefit from therapy that feels dynamic, engaging, and integrated. When we give kids the chance to move their bodies, challenge their brains, and build sensory foundations all at once, we help them grow in ways that are meaningful and long-lasting.

At Brain Connex Therapy, we’re committed to bringing the latest research into our programs so your child’s development is supported in the most natural, effective, and joyful way possible.

If you’d like help applying these strategies, want an individualized plan, or are curious how these findings fit your child’s needs, we’re here for you.