In this blog, I’ll take you through the supportive role that essential oils can play for people who are hypersensitive, find it difficult to process stimuli and don’t always cope well with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Marianne, founder of De Groene Linde and mother to a son with autism, also shares how she has been able to support her son using scent frequencies.
For people with autism, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Noises, changes to routines, busy environments or unexpected events can cause anxiety and stress. That is precisely why calm, safety and trust are key pillars of care. There is also a lot you can do at home to provide this foundation.
The importance of predictability
People with autism often benefit from clarity and structure. When expectations are clear and the environment feels predictable, there is scope to relax. A safe environment helps them to process stimuli more effectively and reduces feelings of stress and uncertainty.
In the care sector, therefore, it is not just about practical support, but also about creating an atmosphere in which a person feels seen, heard and understood. Trust grows when care providers take the time to listen, recognise signs and respond to the person’s needs.
Turning restlessness into calm
Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways. Some people withdraw, whilst others display increased tension, heightened emotions or physical restlessness. Recognising these signs is essential to providing the right support in good time.
Peace of mind often comes from the little things:
- Clear communication
- Regular routines
- Personal attention
- A well-organised environment
- Moments of relaxation throughout the day
When someone feels safe, there is more scope for personal development, social interaction and enjoyment.
Essential oils as a supportive supplement
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More and more healthcare professionals and informal carers are discovering the supportive role that essential oils play in creating a relaxing atmosphere. Scents are processed directly by the limbic system in the brain, the area involved in emotions and memories.
Gentle scents, such as lavender, mandarin or sweet orange, can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation. In a quiet space, during a moment of relaxation or as part of a familiar ritual, essential oils can help to foster a pleasant and safe environment.
It is important to always use essential oils with care and to ensure they are suitable for the individual. Not everyone experiences smells in the same way, and in the case of autism in particular, smells can be perceived as particularly intense.
Building trust together
Good care begins with connection. By paying attention to what someone needs, a foundation of trust is built. From that foundation, peace of mind, safety and wellbeing can flourish.
Whether it’s a familiar routine, a peaceful environment, a sympathetic ear or the subtle support of essential oils: small moments can make a big difference. When someone feels safe, there is room to be themselves.
Peace of mind brings confidence. Confidence brings security. And security can lead to growth.
Marianne says
“Within our organisation, we regularly see just how valuable energetic support can be for people with autism. From my own experience as a mother, I can personally confirm this as well.
Our youngest son has autism and, as a child, benefited greatly from the scent frequencies. His absolute favourite was Mother Earth. This scent helped him to ‘find his way back into his little body’, as he so beautifully put it. He often mentioned that his mind was restless. It was precisely the act of stepping out of his mind and back into his body that brought him peace and a sense of security.
As well as the scent frequencies, providing energetic support through touch also worked very well. What we called ‘head reiki’ at home helped him to release tension and clear his system.
One thing that is often noticeable with autism is that a great deal of stimulation and tension builds up throughout the day. In my experience, energetically cleansing the aura is essential in this regard. It helps to release built-up tension and to experience more space and calm within one’s own energy field.
However, not every form is suitable for everyone. Our son, for example, was very sensitive to the sprays; he found the scents too intense, and alcohol is still a no-go for him. I was therefore unable, or barely able, to use the cleansing sprays on him. By gently diffusing the cleansing oils in a diffuser, we were still able to offer support in a subtle and effective way.
Practical experience has shown just how powerful the combination of the following is:
- grounds
- cleaning
- protecting the energy system
Together, these three form a solid foundation, particularly in the development of a child who is particularly sensitive to stimuli.
Even simple rituals can make a big difference. For example, I still occasionally advise our son to have a foot bath with Himalayan salt and the Grondend bath oil which incorporates Mother Earth. The salt helps to calm and purify the energy system, whilst Mother Earth supports a sense of safe and relaxed presence within the body.
Let’s be clear about one thing: essential oils and scent frequencies cannot cure autism. However, the energetic support they provide can make a world of difference to how a person feels within their own system.
”Drawing on both my professional experience and my role as a mother, I can say: it is a gentle, loving and effective way of providing support that I would recommend to everyone, and certainly to people with autism or ADHD.”
Love, Chiara
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