Sensory Frontloading

Sensory Frontloading: What is it and how can it help?

Transitions can be tough for many children and young people with Fragile X Syndrome. Leaving the house, moving from one activity to another, or even shifting between home and school can trigger stress and anxiety. The reason? Their senses are working overtime, taking in far more information than most of us realise.

One helpful way to prepare for these moments is through sensory frontloading – a strategy that gives children the sensory input they need before stepping into a situation that might feel overwhelming.

What do we mean by sensory frontloading?

Sensory frontloading is about providing children with the right sensory input before they face a situation that might cause stress or overload. It’s a proactive approach – rather than waiting for a meltdown or anxiety to build, you give your child’s body and brain the tools to cope in advance.

Think of it as “filling up the tank” with calming or organising sensory activities before the big transition of the day.

Why does it help?

Children with Fragile X often have difficulties processing sensory input. They might be very sensitive to sound, touch, smell, or movement, or they might seek out lots of sensory feedback. By giving them a burst of the sensory experiences they need ahead of time, you help their nervous system settle. This makes it easier for them to manage the demands of the next activity.

For example, if your child craves movement, doing some jumping, bouncing, or a brisk walk before school can regulate their body. If strong smells are triggering, making sure their environment is as neutral as possible can prevent distress before it even begins.

Practical ideas to try

Every child is different, so it may take some trial and error, but here are some examples of sensory frontloading strategies:

• Movement breaks – trampolining, swinging, dancing, or even a few star jumps in the living room.

  
  

• Deep pressure – using a weighted blanket for a few minutes (always check with an OT first to make sure the weight is safe and appropriate for your child), or big “bear hugs”.

  
  

• Calming routines – quiet time in a dimly lit room, or listening to familiar music.

  
  

• Environmental checks – reducing background noise, avoiding strong smells, and making sure clothes are comfortable.

  
  

• Oral input – offering crunchy, chewy, or sucking foods before leaving the house.

An occupational therapist (OT) may also be able to suggest which activities or items could work best for your child, based on their unique sensory sensitivities.

A proactive, not reactive, approach

It can be hard, especially during busy mornings, to add in extra steps. But just a few minutes beforehand can help the whole routine run more smoothly. It helps children feel calmer, more in control, and better able to handle what’s ahead.

Every child is unique, so it may may take patience to find the right approach — but planning ahead can make things smoother.

Have you tried sensory frontloading with your child? We’d love to hear what works for you.

If you’d like to talk through anything mentioned here in more detail, please feel free to get in touch with us at info@fragilex.org.uk

You can view our original blog post about Sensory Frontloading here: https://www.fragilex.org.uk/single-post/sensory-frontloading-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help