Sensory therapy

Here are structured, safe, and therapy-friendly Olfactory (smell) sensory activities for children with Sensory-Based ASD. These can be used in occupational therapy, sensory integration sessions, classrooms, or home programs, based on whether the child is smell-seeking or smell-avoiding. ⸻ Understanding Olfactory Needs in ASD • Olfactory over-sensitive → easily bothered by smells, nausea, avoidance • Olfactory under-responsive -seeking → smelling objects repeatedly, seeking strong odors ⸻ Olfactory Activities – Graded Exposure Approach 👉 Always begin with mild, familiar smells Mild & Familiar Smells • Vanilla • Rose water • Coconut oil • Baby lotion • Orange peel ⸻ Olfactory Activities for Smell-Avoiding Children (Goal: tolerance & acceptance) Passive & Controlled Exposure • Scented cotton balls in closed containers • “Smell & Match” using mild scents • Scratch-and-sniff cards (child controlled) • Smelling while doing calming deep pressure • Smell exposure paired with favorite activity Distance-Based Smelling • Smell from far → near → brief sniff • Use visual scale (😊 😐 😖) to rate comfort ⸻ Olfactory Activities for Smell-Seeking Children (Goal: appropriate exploration & regulation) Active Smell Play • Guess the smell game (blindfold optional) • Scent jars (coffee, lemon, cinnamon) • Smell scavenger hunt • Scented playdough • Herb smelling (mint, basil, coriander) ⸻ Functional Olfactory Activities • Smell fruits before eating • Laundry smell sorting (fresh vs dirty) • Cooking smells (cloves, cardamom, jeera) • Soap-shampoo identification • Smell for safety (spoiled food – supervised) ⸻ Oral-Olfactory Combined Activities • Smelling + blowing bubbles • Smell → lick → chew (with safe foods) • Aromatic chewing items (clove-flavored teether) • Breathing in pleasant smells + slow exhale ⸻ Calming Olfactory Activities (Only if tolerated) • Lavender or chamomile (very mild) • Warm towel with subtle scent • Scented rice bags • Bedtime smell routine (same scent daily) ⚠️ Avoid strong essential oils directly on skin. ⸻ Safety & Therapy Guidelines ✔ Never force smelling ✔ One scent at a time ✔ Watch for gagging, headache, avoidance ✔ Avoid mixing multiple smells ✔ Always follow with proprioceptive input ⸻ Sample Olfactory Sensory Diet (10 mins) 1. Wall push-ups – 2 mins 2. Smell & match activity – 4 mins 3. Herb smelling + naming – 2 mins 4. Deep pressure squeezes – 2 mins ⸻ Common Smells to Avoid Initially ❌ Strong perfumes ❌ Cleaning chemicals ❌ Camphor ❌ Eucalyptus oil ❌ Incense sticks ⸻