If you’re at all familiar with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you’ve probably heard the term “stimming.” Though stimming is often associated with physical movement (fidgeting, rocking, hand-flapping), it can involve any of the senses, including smell.
Olfactory stimming, or stimming focused on the sense of smell, is a way that some neurodivergent people self-regulate. While many smell-based stims are harmless, others involve substances that may be unsafe with repeated exposure.
In this article, we’ll review the features of olfactory stimming, common examples, and safer alternatives to potentially harmful olfactory stims. With the right knowledge and awareness, you can take steps to ensure that your loved one stims safely.
Stimming is a repetitive action or behavior that helps a person regulate their emotions or sensory experiences. Olfactory stimming involves repeatedly seeking out certain smells because they provide sensory satisfaction, emotional regulation, or comfort.
Though stimming is commonly linked to neurodivergence, most people, including neurotypical people, stim from time to time. At the same time, every individual is unique. Not every autistic person engages in stimming, or smell stimming.
Olfactory stimming is not inherently harmful, and in fact serves as an important self-regulatory tool. Some of the main reasons why people engage in smell stimming include:
The preferred scents for olfactory stims range widely from person to person. Almost any distinct smell can become a preferred stim. Some common examples include the following:
Again, preferred scents are highly individual and personal. Many autism communities describe highly specific favorite scents!
Though olfactory stimming is typically harmless, there are smells that come with risks of irritation or health hazards. Awareness of the potential risks of certain olfactory stimuli is not intended to eliminate olfactory stimming, but rather to recognize when a preferred smell could pose health risks. Some potentially risky smell stimuli include:
Some may enjoy the strong, distinctive scent of markers, but repeated inhalation of solvent fumes is not recommended.
Potential alternative: Some people report that using scented markers normally (rather than intentionally inhaling them) provides a similar sensory experience.
Many enjoy the smell of heavily scented products like perfumes or body sprays, but repeated inhalation can trigger respiratory irritation and headaches.
Potential alternative: Consider smelling diluted essential oils or lightly scented lotions.
While some individuals report enjoying the smell of gasoline, gasoline vapors contain chemicals that should not be intentionally inhaled.
Potential alternative: If your loved one enjoys the smell of gasoline, some potential replacements include cedarwood or earthy essential oils.
Harsh household chemicals, like bleach, are often reported as olfactory stimuli. It is important to note that, like gasoline, household chemicals contain chemicals that should not be repeatedly inhaled.
Potential alternative: Lemon, rosemary, or eucalyptus essential oils may evoke a “clean” scent without the harsh fumes that are found in many cleaning chemicals.
If your neurodivergent loved one repeatedly smells harsh chemicals or markers, it’s important to recognize it as a sensory regulation strategy. Avoid simply saying “stop.” Offering safer replacements that may provide similar sensory experiences can frame the redirection as meeting the same sensory need in a safer way.
Ultimately, olfactory stimming is one of many ways that people self-regulate. Understanding why your neurodivergent loved one engages in olfactory stimming is much better support than trying to eliminate the behavior. At the same time, recognizing potentially harmful olfactory stimuli can help you redirect towards safer alternatives.
Looking to learn more about stimming, sensory processing, or how to access neurodiversity-affirming support? Check out our blog!
Also, if you’re a California resident, the Self Determination Program (SDP) can help you access various supports and services to promote your neurodivergent loved one’s independence and well-being. NeuroNav’s independent facilitation services help individuals and their families navigate California’s SDP program.
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