| Autism is a neurological condition with several | | | | motivate the senses and relax the body at the |
| recognised characteristics. The main is Social | | | | same time. Cedarwood may in Social Interaction |
| Anxiety. Without guided support School and social | | | | and stabilise mood swings throughout the day. |
| activities can be difficult for those suffering | | | | Clinical Aromatherapy and Autism |
| Autism. | | | | Autistic children can act hyperactively when |
| Autistic children and adults are also known to | | | | confronted with certain aromas, perfumes or |
| have abilities more advanced than mainstream | | | | flavours. Aromatherapy may be a suitable |
| kids. Some autistic kids for example, can play | | | | application to slowly introduce aromas to an |
| musical instruments like professionals. Others are | | | | autistic child's environment building up over time to |
| mathematical geniuses. | | | | immunity to the fear of the smell. |
| To stabilise and regulate moods and sensory | | | | Essential oils can be introduced in burners, |
| function, medications are sometimes used. | | | | massage oils, house cleaning and cooking |
| Autistic children and adults may have tendencies | | | | situations. A drop of oil could also be placed on a |
| to display hyperactive behaviour when confronted | | | | cotton wool ball and placed under the pillow at |
| with particular smells or colours. Other | | | | night. Other smells can be introduced in a similar |
| Environmental factors may cause adverse | | | | way to Essential oils. |
| reactions and no known reason why. I used to | | | | Essential oils can be Toxic if used at full strength. |
| work with a young Autistic man who had severe | | | | The smallest amount of essential oil goes a long |
| hyperactive swings every time he arrived at his | | | | way. |
| house. It was discovered after about 6 weeks | | | | Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of |
| that he did not like the colour of the Letterbox | | | | years to treat a wide variety of health problems |
| that had been installed about a week before the | | | | and for cleansing and relaxation. There is potential |
| hyperactivity started. Rather than remove the | | | | for many positive uses of Aromatherapy and |
| letterbox or change its colour we slowly | | | | essential oils in the treatment of symptoms |
| introduced the colour into more of his "fun times" | | | | associated with Autism. |
| and the fear of the letterbox disappeared. | | | | Precautions |
| Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Autism | | | | Speak to your Doctor or Therapist before |
| Aromatherapy may have several benefits to the | | | | choosing Aromatherapy for your Autistic Child. |
| Autistic individual. Aromatherapy can be used as | | | | Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in |
| an aid to calming and relaxation. It can also | | | | the prevention or healing of many complaints. |
| promote a higher self-esteem. Autistic children | | | | Every individual is different. Some essential oils can |
| may benefit from Neck and shoulder massages | | | | be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while |
| using an organic massage base oil with Lavender | | | | others require limited exposure to the sun due to |
| which may provide a soothing effect and induce a | | | | phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier |
| calmer environment to aid sleeping. | | | | if you are in doubt of the safest use for any |
| Cedarwood Essential Oil can invigorate and | | | | particular oil. Not just the one in this article. |