Using Essential Oils To Help With Autism
Before we get into essential oils' role in helping with autism or which ones can be used, we need to first understand what autism is, and how it effects those who are diagnosed with it.
What Are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And Autism?
ASD and autism are both general terms for the group of complex disorders of brain development that make up the autism spectrum. The disorders themselves are characterized, in many varying degrees, by difficulties in things such as:
- Social interaction;
- Verbal communication;
- Nonverbal communication;
- Repetitive behavior.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can be more commonly associated with intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, and physical health issues (I.e. sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances), and may excel in certain visual skills, such as music or art. Autism, however, appears to occur in early development of the brain, with the most obvious signs emerging between 2 and 3 years of age. It's important to remember that each person with autism is unique; many of the individuals on the autism spectrum have exceptional abilities in visual skills, and about 40% have average to above average intellectual abilities, and some on the spectrum have a significant disability and may be unable to live independently.
How Essential Oils Can Help
With the awareness of autism becoming more and more of a priority, so too increases the number of essential oils aimed at improving mental and physical health, and they are quickly becoming popular for use in the treatment of children and individuals with autism. To do this, you must first identify the oils that help maintain accuracy and focus, and the ones which allow the mind to react positively and maintain contact with its surroundings. Certain essential oils can also help to ground and unite the body, mind, and spirit with reality, while simultaneously encouraging positive energy in times of restlessness, stress, or unease.
I can't stress enough, again, how each person on the autism spectrum is unique in their own way and how their disorder works. Because of this, not all essential oils may work with a certain person, so everyone should be treated on an individual basis. So – what are the essential oils that may help with autism?
- Cedarwood: This essential oil works to help stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands, and can also aid in the natural raising of melatonin levels. In addition, it can also help individuals get a good night's sleep, and focus during the waking hours.
- Vetiver: This oil is particularly helpful to soothe an overactive, exhausted, or stressed mind. It helps to control anger, irritability, and neurotic behavior.
- Frankincense: This essential oil is helpful in cell regeneration, has a calming and relaxing effect, and promotes higher levels of consciousness.
- Lavender: This oil is helpful to calm and relax the mind and body, and is particularly helpful around bath time for children to help them get a good night's sleep.
One of the best ways to introduce essential oils into your environment is to diffuse them with a Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser. Organic Aromas diffusers use no heat, no water while diffusing only pure essential oils into the air.
Before incorporating essential oils into your treatment regimen, it's important to note that you should always get consent from your doctor or therapist, to ensure this will be an effective addition to you or your child's treatment regimen, and never go against your physician's orders. Inappropriate use of essential oils can lead to physical harm, so please use carefully!
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25 Responses
Verna
I have a sister with 2 autistic girls and she is very happy and amazed how the YL oils have helped her girls. Message me if you would like to talk to her about how and what she does. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.
Elizabeth
One of the previous comments mentioned using essential oils in an aluminum dispenser. Please do not do this. Use glass dispensers. The oils will cause the aluminum to leach into the spray. You don’t want to absorb aluminum. It is harmful to the body.
Angelica Hill
Just bear in mind that a lot of autistic people (myself included) have issues with sensory overload. Filling their environment or coating their bodies with aromatics may have a negative effect just because *it’s too much/not nice/etc. Vetiver and frankincense, for example, both drive me bonkers; I either need to leave the area or risk overload and eventual meltdowns. Rose, while not on the list, seems to boost my mood and soothe my senses.
By all means, give treating autism with aromatherapy a try. If a particular oil works, great! Continue! If symptoms get worse… please, please, please, STOP!
Natalie
I have also put these oils in a 8 ounce aluminum spray bottle with water and a half tsp of witch hazel and use it as a spray. Behind the neck, along the spine… light mist on bedding… works wonders. ?
Tammy S
What a fantastic way to help those who have autism. I know that essential oils have helped calm me. It is a wonderful natural way to help you relax.
Susan Biddle
I hope to win an oil diffuser to try with my 6 y.o. daughter. She is very energetic and at times hyper.
Lynne B
I was particularly interested in this article because I have a young nephew who is probably on the spectrum somewhere. Thanks for the information about which EO’s would be beneficial.
Robyn Bellefleur
I have never used essential oils but have a real interest it doing so.
Juanita Vernon
I would love to win this diffuser! I have one in most rooms of the house but need one for my office space! This would be perfect.
Becky
I have a friend who teaches special education and she says essentials oils would be so beneficial for some of her students. Just not allowed in the schools. ? So silly!
roberta cantelon
Awareness through awakening… Essential oils hold a key to trigger mental openness. I believe!~
Lucy
Thank you! Very informative!
Sheri Traxler
Now I know why I love cedarwood all day long!
Holly
I have been using essential oils in carrier oils for a couple years now, and can definitely say they do work. My faves are rose oil for face, eucalyptus for chest and respiratory colds, frankincense for a number of things -including removing my sons plantar wart – that one was really cool!, and lavender with everything for synergistic effect. I use peppermint and tea tree in vinegar for general cleaning wipes. It’s wonderful to see everyone’s awareness about EO grow! It’s exciting to see such a great move and acceptance towards natural healing!!
Laura
Thanks! I have forwarded this post to a friend who might find it useful:)
Tisha Collier
I’m excited about the possibilities aromatherapy has over autism & the many other health problems out there.
Kelly
Wonderful information!! Love to discover other uses for essential oils!!
Mike Zoeller
I really enjoy the fragrance of essential oils. The diffuser I bought works quite well!
Kerem Rivera
I wasn’t aware of some of the physiology behind the use of essential oils and certain conditions like autism. Interesting read!
Cj
My 2 “go to” oils have always been Francinsence and Lavendar… I’ve used them in helping a friend who has been diagnosed with Autism.
This blog post is great pointing out Cedarwood to help raise melatonin levels. He has trouble with sleeping. Thank you!
Judys
I love essential oils , but if we can prove that they help with many different things, just think how great it would be!
Bonnie
Just placed my first order last week, can’t wait to get it!!! Excited!
Heather!
I’m not surprised to see lavender used in this context, but wow! Never would have occurred to me that the other scents might help with autism! Very cool.
Kathy Pettis
We found perfection in your beautiful diffusers. Truly a piece of artwork that fills our home in love! Everything from the web site to the customer support and the excellent packaging. We are extremely pleased we found your company. Thank you for the beauty!
John &Kathy
Corinne Ramirez
September 07, 2018
Looking for suggestions for my 9 yr old nephew. Has social problems and some outbreaks. Problems with other children.