Case study: Sensory diet for a child with Fragile X Syndrome who is hyposensitive to sensory input
Information on the child:
Age: 7
Diagnoses: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sensory profile: Hyposensitive to stimuli across multiple sensory systems
Identified behaviour:
- Difficulty sitting still
- Fidgeting with objects in surroundings, can break things without realising
- Unaware of body position, can bump into objects
- Seeks contact with others, can sometimes initiate rough play
- Difficulty identifying bodily needs such as thirst and toileting
- Appears to struggle focusing unless doing a hands on task
- May interrupt or shout out of turn
Suggested Sensory Diet Plan
Morning Routine (aims to get the body moving and the brain engaged for the day):
- Proprioception – wall press ups, ball bouncing
- Vestibular – trampoline jumping, rolling across the floor
- Gustatory – chewy breakfast options like toast
- Interoception – bathroom check in, emotion chart use
School Day Routine:
- Visual schedule to explain the structure of the day
- Fidget toy available on desk/at carpet time
- Regular movement breaks (e.g. 5 minutes every hour)
- Chewy/crunchy foods at snack time/lunch time
- Calming activities after lunch
- Visual preparation for transition between school and home
After School Routine:
- Preferred tactile play
- Helping around the house
- Visual games
- Body feeling check ins for interoception (e.g. hungry, tired, needing the bathroom)
Evening Routine:
- Weighted blanket
- Reading time
- Essential oils
- Mindful breathing/meditation
- Bubble bath
- Reflection on the day
Additional tools/support for any time of day:
- Visual schedules
- Ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones
- Chewable necklace/toy
- Fidget toys
- Movement break activities
These suggestions should be reviewed and adjusted every 6-8 weeks in collaboration with parents, education providers and occupational therapists.
Case study: Sensory diet for a child with Fragile X Syndrome who is hypersensitive to sensory input
Information on the child:
Age: 9
Diagnoses: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), Autism
Sensory profile: Hypersensitive to stimuli across multiple sensory systems
Identified behaviour:
- Becomes overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights and crowded spaces
- Covers ears to avoid auditory input
- Struggles with transitions and unexpected changes to routine
- Avoids certain foods and clothing due to textures
- Becomes overwhelmed by strong scents or flavours
- Can appear tired or irritable due to sensory overload
Suggested Sensory Diet Plan
Morning Routine (aims to get the body and mind prepared for the day):
- Soft music or nature sounds to wake up to
- Dim lighting in the bedroom
- Weighted lap pad for use at breakfast
- Mild tasting, smooth textured breakfast
- Emotional check in
- Visual schedule of the day
School Day Routine:
- Explanation of the day’s activities using visual aids
- Weighted lap pad during seated work or carpet time
- Quiet space available
- Ear defenders available
- Preferred foods at snack time/lunch time
- Visual preparation for transition between tasks, and between school and home
After School Routine:
- Calming story time
- Soft play
- Preferred essential oils/scents
- Soft music playing
Evening Routine:
- Weighted blanket
- Low level lights
- White noise machine
- Mindful breathing/meditation
- Bath with unscented products
- Reflection on the day
Additional tools/support for any time of day:
- Visual schedule for all routines and any changes to routine
- Continued access to ear defenders/noise cancelling headphones
- Continued access to fidget toys
- Time out pass
- Scent free products for general use
These suggestions should be reviewed and adjusted every 6-8 weeks in collaboration with parents, education providers and occupational therapists.
