Olfactory Sensory Hub
Smell strongly influences comfort, memory, and mood. Scents can calm, alert, or overwhelm. This hub links to safe scent tools, strategies, and calming corner ideas.
Quick Wins (Start Here)
Scents for Calm
Try lavender or chamomile for winding down.
Alerting Scents
Citrus or peppermint for energy and focus.
Control Intensity
Use roll‑ons or jars; avoid open diffusers if overwhelming.
Tip: Always offer choice — what smells calming to one person may irritate another.
Common Patterns
| Profile | How it might look | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Over‑Responsive | Gags at strong smells; avoids certain rooms. | Unscented products; neutralize odors; choice of scent. |
| Under‑Responsive | Doesn’t notice smells; eats spoiled food. | Offer strong but safe scents; cue for safety. |
| Sensory Seeking | Smells everything constantly. | Provide safe smell jars, scratch & sniff, scented dough. |
| Mixed | Likes some scents, avoids others. | Track preferences; avoid forcing exposure. |
Tools, Activities & Setups
Offer safe, controlled scent options and observe preferences.
Setup: Store scents safely; rotate options; avoid overwhelming mixes. Pair with visual or tactile calming tools.
Routines & Printables
Related Hubs
Back to Sensory Inputs Hub.
Next Steps
Try one calming and one alerting scent. Track reactions and add to routines.
OT‑informed guidance for education only; not medical advice.