Cheap Perfume

Most of us associate scents with positive and negative experiences that we can identify the source. People with developmental disabilities and mental illness may not have the capabilities to do so.

I may know the scent of the cologne that I use to love that I now hate is because it reminds me of a former partner that I had a rough break up with. I love the smell of cookies baking because it reminds me of baking with my grandma for birthdays and holidays. People with mental illness and developmental disabilities don’t always know why they like or hate a scent.

When collecting data regarding behaviors from mental illness or developmental disabilities, document any scents in the environment and any scents the staff may be wearing. The person may associate the scents with former abuse, injury, or unpleasant circumstance (like an uncomfortable appointment). It may never be discovered why the person’s behaviors are triggered by the scent, but it can be managed.

If a particular scent is a problem for a particular person, there are ways to manage it.

• Avoid the scent. If it is a cologne or perfume that staff is wearing, the staff could refrain from wearing it so that the person has a break from those negative associations while in the care of staff.
• Mask the scent. If the scent can’t be avoided (like cut grass), find a cologne or perfume the person likes and have them wear it a little heavy when you know they will be around the triggering scent.
• Be prepared. When a triggering scent is identified, be prepared to deal with behaviors when the person is exposed to the scent.
• Educate the person. Explain to the person that you understand that the scent bothers them, but reassure them that they are safe now and that scent doesn’t mean anything bad will happen.

Scents can be used to sooth people with disabilities. When an activity that calms ans sooths a person is identified, a soothing scent can be introduced. Eventually the scent will be associated with relaxing and safety for the person.

Extra time is need with people with mental illness and developmental disabilities to create a positive reaction to scents and to deal with behaviors associated with scents. Before giving up and thinking a strategy doesn’t work, make sure adequate time was allowed to have success. It may take weeks before results are seen.