Olfactory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to smells in the environment. The sense of smell plays a significant role in a child’s experiences, from recognizing familiar scents to avoiding unpleasant or harmful odors. For children with sensory processing challenges, olfactory input can be overwhelming or underwhelming, impacting their comfort, focus, and participation in daily activities. Occupational therapy helps children manage olfactory sensitivities by providing strategies to regulate and adapt to smells in various environments.
Supporting olfactory processing helps children:
With tailored strategies, children can better navigate their olfactory environment, promoting confidence and emotional regulation.
The sense of smell is directly linked to emotional regulation and memory. Difficulties with olfactory processing can affect a child’s ability to focus, feel comfortable in certain settings, and manage reactions to strong smells. Addressing olfactory processing challenges can:
For instance, a child who becomes distressed by the smell of certain foods may struggle during mealtime or in group settings.
Children who experience challenges with smell processing may include:
Occupational therapists (OT’s) assess olfactory processing by observing a child’s reactions to various smells and gathering input from caregivers and teachers.
OT’s use individualized approaches to help children manage their reactions to smells, ensuring they feel comfortable and regulated in various environments.
Introducing challenging smells gradually can help children build tolerance over time. For example, exposing a child to a faint scent before increasing its intensity allows them to adapt at their own pace.
Incorporating calming or preferred scents, such as lavender or vanilla, into the child’s environment can reduce stress and improve focus.
Minimizing strong or overwhelming odors in the child’s environment, such as using unscented cleaning products or avoiding heavily perfumed areas, helps reduce sensory overload.
Scented items like scratch-and-sniff stickers, essential oils, or scented playdough can provide olfactory input that aligns with the child’s preferences and needs.
Working with parents and teachers ensures that strategies to manage olfactory sensitivities are applied consistently in different settings, from home to school.
Interventions aim to help children tolerate or adapt to their olfactory environment effectively. Examples of goals include:
Progress is tracked through caregiver feedback, observations, and the child’s ability to engage in olfactory-rich environments without distress.
