The Good...The Bad...And, the Stinky.

The Power of Smell
The Olfactory System and the Impact on Self-Regulation
Written by: Angie Voss, OTR

The olfactory (smell) system is very unique in regards to how it sends information to the brain from the nose. It is directly linked and intertwined with the limbic system, unlike the other sensory systems. The limbic system is responsible for processing emotions and memory, therefore smell can trigger emotions and memory...good and bad as well as impact mood and behavior. Smell is often considered the most significant trigger of memory, compared to the other senses. This neurophysiological connection is the reason why.

Hypersensitivity to smell (hyperosmia) is a very common challenge for those with sensory processing differences, especially for those with feeding challenges and our picky eaters. Smell sensitivity is also directly linked to anxiety, self-regulation difficulties, sensory overload, sensory meltdowns, and overall sensory dysregulation. 

The Good...

• Scents and smells can be used to our advantage since they can have a direct impact on the nervous system and the biochemistry involved in the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. (Fight or flight vs A calm, ready and regulated state) 
• If a child is hypersensitive to smell, a little can go a LONG way and can also work in favor of supporting self-regulation with the right scents and smells.
• Creating new positive olfactory memories will support overall self-regulation and can also be used as a sensory tool and strategy in times of distress. For example: Your child may find the smell of almond very soothing...offer Bronner's natural almond soap to lather up in the bath or in the sink to create a self-regulating support. 
• The use of 100% therapeutic grade, organic essential oils can be an excellent strategy to promote and create positive smell/scent memories for the brain. 
• Incorporate positive and pleasant smells into the environment with the use of an essential oil diffuser or by drops on cotton balls or diffuser pendants made specifically for essential oils. 
• Smell can also serve as a sensory anchor for a child, to help them regulate. Use this as a sensory signal and respect it for exactly that. 
• Certain scents and combinations of scents can even support attention to task and focus! (See chart below)
• Try using lotions or soaps made of all natural and organic ingredients that contain supportive essential oils and other soothing natural scents. 
• Be sure to stay away from chemical and artificial based products, such as air fresheners, candles, perfumes, and sprays...stick to natural and organic methods to support the olfactory system in a healthy way. This can be done from simply being outdoors and taking in the natural smells around you, or the smell of something baking or cooking, fresh herbs, or a slice of an orange or lemon.

Use this handy reference list to guide you in choosing the right essential oils to help your child's specific sensory needs:

Source: Mercola.com

The Bad...

• On the other hand, certain smells and scents can trigger a sympathetic nervous system response (fight or flight), and are unique for each of us. Something that smells disgusting to one, may be pure bliss to another. 
• Obviously, this is where the hypersensitivity to smell can really back fire on a child...and that same spot in the brain that triggers emotions and memory is now doing so from a negative standpoint. And the brain remembers negative things so much easier than the positive (this is the protective nature of our brain).
• Start creating a list or little journal of the different smells and scents that bother your child so you can try to remember and avoid them when possible. This sensory difference and sensitivity is real...please respect it as such. 
• It is not uncommon for one or more smells to cause a systemic reaction such as eliciting the gag reflex or nausea/vomiting. It could also trigger flushing of the skin, a headache or migraine, or even a low grade fever. This is a true neurological response and reaction that can not be controlled, and is NOT an over-reaction on your child's part. 
• Keep in mind that even one uncomfortable experience with a smell can trigger a fight or flight response the next time that same type of olfactory input is in the environment, even if the child plugs his nose, turns or buries his head in his shirt, holds his breath, and does not actually experience the noxious smell. I mention this to be sure you keep in mind this is a true neurological response even if only by observation and anticipation of the smell, yet the child did not smell anything.

And, the Stinky...

• Nose plugs might be a real life saver for your child and the only truly effective sensory tool and strategy in environments of new and unexpected smells (such as a family gathering or party with different food smells, people odors, perfumes, hairsprays, air fresheners, etc). If your child is fine with wearing them, then that is all that matters! Embrace those nose plugs!
• If possible, for family gatherings or small play dates or parties...ask others to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or lotions, and from using strong candles or air fresheners. This can help your child cope with the environment and surroundings.
• Yep, your child really may be able to detect upcoming road work and the smell of tar from a mile away. Keep the vents on recirculating air when possible, that is if the smells and scents inside the car are more tolerable than the exhaust and road smells from outside the car.
• If you cook something that you know will leave a lingering odor, one that your child does not handle well, expect it to possibly cause sensory dysregulation for the rest of the day. Do your best to open windows and then use your essential oil diffuser with your child's favorite scent. Or offer a nice bubble bath with a comforting natural scented soap.
• A child really may not be able to tolerate their own body odors and smells from going to the bathroom. Respect this as a real challenge and not an overreaction. This is an excellent time to offer those nose plugs.

SENSORY AWARENESS HANDOUTS!