Olfactory Dysfunction
-Signs-
Hyper-sensitive:
- Reacts negatively to, or dislikes smells which do not usually bother, or get noticed, by other people
- Refuses to eat certain foods because of their smell
- Offended and/or nauseated by bathroom odors or personal hygiene smells
- Bothered/irritated by smell of perfume or cologne / household or cooking smells
Hypo-sensitive:
- Has difficulty discriminating unpleasant odors
- Does not notice odors that others usually complain about
- Fails to notice or ignores unpleasant odors
- Uses smell to interact with objects
- Make excessive use of smelling when introduced to objects people or places
-Interventions-
Hypersensitivity:
- Explain to the child about smell they may encounter before so they can be prepared mentally.
- Find a friendly aroma and keep that close to fend off strong fragrances.
- Encourage your child to experience new smells like flowers, food, but don’t force him/her.
- Gradually introduce things with smell he/she doesn’t like when child is enjoying his play along with his favorite music is on.
- Try to slowly introduce new smells in milder amount in child’s diet.
- Avoid using products with strong odors whenever possible.
- Use non-scented cleaning products.
- Avoid spicy and aromatic foods.
Hyposensitivity:
- Apply strong perfume on child’s clothes so they won’t smell clothes of other people inappropriately.
- Educate your child about the smells that exist around him or her i.e. when outdoors or in a kitchen cooking with different spices.
- Explain that they have to be more careful with the food or drink they consume, because of their lack of smell sensitivity.
- Give them opportunities to experience different smells such as flowers, strong scented candles, air fresheners, soap and spicy foods.
- Play smelling games i.e. blindfolding and then place a familiar item under their nose to have them guess what it is.
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