Does your child react strongly to smells in their environment? Perhaps they refuse certain foods because of their aroma or avoid spaces like kitchens or bathrooms due to overpowering scents. If this sounds familiar, your child might be an olfactory avoider.

Olfactory avoiders are individuals who are particularly sensitive to smells. For these children, everyday odours can feel overwhelming, leading to discomfort, distraction, or even meltdowns. This sensitivity is part of sensory processing, and as a parent, understanding how to support your child can make a world of difference.

Here are practical strategies to help your olfactory-avoiding child navigate their environment with greater ease.

1. Understand the Triggers

Begin by identifying the smells that cause discomfort. Common triggers include:

Strong cleaning products
Perfumes or scented candles
Foods with strong aromas like garlic, fish, or spices

Once you’ve identified these triggers, you can create an environment that feels safer and more comfortable for your child.

2. Modify the Environment

Making small changes to your home environment can reduce overwhelming smells:

Use unscented products: Opt for unscented detergents, soaps, and cleaning supplies.
Ventilate rooms: Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air.
Avoid artificial fragrances: Minimise the use of air fresheners, candles, or other scented items.

3. Plan Ahead for Outings

Public spaces often have a variety of strong smells. Help your child prepare:

Bring a familiar scent: Carry a comforting item, like a lightly scented handkerchief, that they can sniff to mask unwanted smells.
Choose low-scent venues: Opt for outdoor seating at restaurants or avoid heavily scented shops.
Pack essentials: Have water, snacks, and sensory tools like fidget toys to help your child self-regulate.

4. Create a Safe Space

Having a designated area where your child can retreat from overwhelming smells is essential. Consider:

A scent-free zone: Keep this area free from strong odors.
Comfort items: Include soothing items like a favourite blanket or calming sensory tools.

5. Encourage Communication

Help your child articulate their sensory experiences:

Teach them to name what they are feeling (“This smell is too strong for me”).
Practice advocating for their needs in a safe, supportive way (“Can we move away from this smell?”).

6. Experiment with Gradual Exposure

If your child is open to it, you can slowly introduce them to mild, pleasant smells to build tolerance. This could include:

Playing with scented playdough or markers.
Exploring mild, natural scents like lavender or vanilla during calm moments.

Be patient—progress may take time, and it’s essential to respect your child’s boundaries.

7. Work with Professionals

If olfactory sensitivity significantly impacts your child’s daily life, consider consulting a paediatric occupational therapist.
They can:

Conduct a sensory assessment to understand your child’s unique needs.
Develop a tailored sensory diet to support regulation (an example below).
Provide strategies for managing challenging environments.

Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is a personalised set of sensory activities designed to help your child manage sensitivities and build resilience over time.

For olfactory avoiders, gradual, controlled exposure to smells can help improve tolerance in a safe and supportive way.

Below is an example sensory diet that incorporates playful and manageable activities.

Morning Routine: Setting the Day for Success

Start with a neutral environment: Use unscented products for toothpaste, soap, and laundry detergent.
Introduce a mild, pleasant scent: Encourage your child to smell something calming, like a fresh orange peel or vanilla bean, while eating breakfast.
Create choice: Offer two scents for them to pick from, fostering a sense of control (e.g., lavender or lemon).

Mid-Morning Activity: Playful Smell Exploration

Scented Playdough: Make or buy lightly scented playdough. Let your child explore the texture and smell.
Smell Sorting Game: Place mild-smelling items (e.g., coffee beans, mint leaves, cinnamon sticks) in jars and ask your child to sort them by preference or guess the smell.
Essential Oil Cotton Balls: Introduce a faint scent on a cotton ball and place it nearby. Start with low exposure and gradually increase proximity as tolerated.

Lunchtime: Exploring Food Aromas

Engage in food prep: Let your child help prepare a meal by interacting with mild-smelling ingredients, such as bread dough, apples, or plain rice.
Encourage smelling before eating: Ask your child to describe the scent of their food using neutral language (e.g., "This smells sweet").
Pair new smells with familiar foods: Introduce mildly scented spices, like cinnamon, on foods they already enjoy.

Afternoon Activity: Gradual Tolerance Building

Scent Scavenger Hunt: Hide scented items (e.g., a bar of soap, a sachet of herbs) around the house and turn it into a fun game.
Create a scent jar: Mix calming scents (like dried flowers) in a jar and let your child control when to open and smell it.
Art with Scented Markers: Encourage creative play with mildly scented markers, integrating smell into fun activities.

Evening Wind-Down: Relaxation with Gentle Scents

Calming Diffuser: Use a small amount of essential oil (e.g., lavender) in a diffuser in a common area. Ensure it\u2019s faint and non-intrusive.
Bubble Bath with Light Scent: If tolerated, use a lightly scented bubble bath, ensuring its gentle on your child’s senses.
Bedtime Story with Scented Pillow: Place a tiny drop of lavender or chamomile oil on a corner of their pillowcase for a calming association.

Tips for Success

Start Small: Begin with very mild scents in short durations and gradually increase exposure as your child becomes more comfortable.
Involve Your Child: Let them help choose scents and activities to make the process enjoyable and empowering.
Be Consistent: Regular exposure builds resilience, but always respect their boundaries.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories to keep them motivated and confident.

Supporting an olfactory avoider requires patience, empathy, and creativity. By making thoughtful adjustments and equipping your child with coping strategies, you can empower them to feel more confident and comfortable in their world.

If you have concerns about your child’s sensory sensitivities, our team at Hunter Functional Health is here to help. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your family.

When Smells Overwhelm: Support for Olfactory Avoiders