START WITH THE PERSON, NOT THE OIL. Aromatherapy & autism — a specialist perspective Qualified aromatherapist • 29 years' experience • 26 years in special education • 16 years as a specialist aromatherapist within special education

A scent that feels gentle to one person can feel sharp, distracting, or even painful to someone else. That matters when aromatherapy is used around autistic children, teens, or adults, because smell is part of the sensory environment, not just a pleasant extra. Aromatherapy can support a calmer routine for some autistic people. It may help mark a transition, make a space feel predictable, or add a soothing sensory cue before sleep or quiet time. But it should never be treated as a treatment...

Supporting calm, regulation, and rest — the natural way. Parenting a child with sensory sensitivities can feel like navigating a world that’s just a little too loud, bright, fast, or unpredictable. Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, sensory processing differences, or simply experiences big feelings in a big way, creating moments of calm and safety can make a profound difference. Aromatherapy offers a gentle, supportive tool — not as a cure or quick fix, but as part of a predictable...