Taste and Smell Dysfunction in Schools
The gustatory system is our sense of taste. It allows us to identify different flavors or foods and liquids that we consume, specifically sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and savory (umami). The olfactory system is our sense of smell. It allows us to recognize familiar scents, detect possible danger, and activate our hunger, thirst, and pleasure centers. Here is how dysfunction with the sense of taste and smell can be portrayed in the school environment:
A child with gustatory or olfactory craving may present as: Chews on inedible objects/materials, hair, or clothing, Licks inedible objects or foods before eating, Loves crunchy, spicy, & sour foods, Stuffs foods in cheeks, Smell inedible objects or classroom materials
A child with gustatory or olfactory underresponsivity may present as: May consume expired or raw drinks or foods, Lack of awareness of spicy or bland, hot or cold foods, Frequently drools
A child with gustatory or olfactory overresponsivity may present as: Gags on certain foods or liquids, Only eats very cold or very hot foods, Has a poor variety in diet, Aversive to toothbrushing
Taste & Smell Classroom Strategies
Here are just some strategies to address gustatory and olfactory differences in the classroom and school environment. It is not an extensive list of all things you can try, but a good start of strategies that can be incorporated into already established routines!
· Scented hand sanitizer or lotion prior to fine motor tasks
· Work with smelly markers or crayons
· Smelly stickers on papers
· Add or eliminate air fresheners or diffusers around desk
· Wear essential oils bracelet or necklace
· Crunchy/chewy snacks
· Drink water through a straw
· Chew gum during work tasks or tests
· Blow bubbles or pinwheel
· Play with whistles
· Age appropriate chew jewelry or chewy pencil toppers
· Make silly faces
· Offer scented lotion or hand sanitizer
Taste & Smell School Strategies
Here are some strategies to address gustatory and olfactory processing and modulation differences in the school environment. Remember, for best chance at carryover and to make the activities functional for the child, incorporate sensory strategies into already established routines and activities.
· Work with smelly markers or crayons
· Provide a seat furthest away from kitchen/trashcans
· Offer unscented soaps in school bathrooms
· Wear mask when using paints and oil paints
· Sour/spicy snacks
· Crunchy/chewy snacks
· Offer soft familiar flavors for lunches
· Keep materials away until ready to use
Emily is a pediatric occupational therapist providing community and home-based OT services in the Greater Philadelphia area, PA. She is a mentor for School-Based Occupational Therapists, offering one-one-one sessions to grow in confidence and skills. Emily Marie OT LLC strives to empower all to achieve their full potential.