The Best Essential Oils for Autism & ADHD Symptoms

Essential oils have become an increasingly popular complementary therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many parents seek safe, natural ways to help manage challenging behaviors, promote emotional regulation, and improve focus in kids with autism and ADHD. Could essential oils be a practical part of your family’s integrative approach?

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of plants. They contain the “essence” of the plant’s fragrance and provide its biomechanical and therapeutic benefits.

Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, and vetiver have been used for centuries in homeopathic and holistic treatments. Today, essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy.

Potential Benefits of Essential Oil Use

Preliminary research shows essential oils may help:

• Reduce irritability, tantrums, and meltdowns
• Improve sleep quality
• Lessen anxiety and promote relaxation
• Enhance focus and attention
• Soothe hyperactivity

Essential oils provide a safe, natural treatment option for parents hoping to avoid medication for their child’s symptoms. Oils can be applied topically, diffused aromatically, or included in baths.

How Essential Oils May Benefit Kids with Autism & ADHD

The soothing effects of essential oils may calm the nervous system and benefit kids who struggle with:

• Sensory processing issues – Scents can provide calming or stimulating input based on the oil.
• Anxiety and meltdowns – Oils like lavender promote relaxation and tranquility.
• Focus and attention challenges – Peppermint’s stimulating aroma may boost concentration.
• Communication struggles – Ylang ylang facilitates self-expression and social interaction.
• Sleep difficulties – Chamomile and Vetiver encourage restful sleep.

While more research is still needed, these natural oils show promise in helping children with ASD and ADHD.

Evidence for Essential Oils & Autism

Small studies support essential oils for improving behavior, sleep, focus, and more in kids with autism, including:

• Frankincense helped reduce hyperactivity and promoted better concentration.
• Combining lavender, Roman chamomile, and neroli lessened anxiety and improved sleep.
• Massaging vetiver oil appeared to enhance language expression and interaction skills.
• Using cedarwood essential oil with a massage improved classroom performance.

While many parents express satisfaction with essential oils, larger-scale studies are needed. Talk to your child’s doctor before trying oils at home.

Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

Aromatherapy diffusers are a safe way to disperse essential oils’ calming or stimulating scents in your child’s surroundings. Simple, quiet ultrasonic diffusers work well for home or classroom use.

Proper dilution is essential – only a few drops of oil diluted in water are needed for the diffuser. Follow instructions carefully and watch your child for skin irritation or adverse reactions.

Top 10 Essential Oils for Autism & ADHD

Famous oils parents report success with include:

1. Frankincense

Has a woodsy, earthy aroma. Known for encouraging relaxation, deep breathing, and focusing. It may also boost immunity.

2. Vetiver

Features a rich, woody, comforting scent. Used to reduce stress, anger, and anxiety. Promotes emotional regulation.

3. Sandalwood

It is valued for its soft, sweet, woodsy fragrance. It instills calm and lessens anxiety, stress, and panic.

4. Cedarwood

Has a warm, balsamic aroma. It is used to relieve tension and promote concentration. It also improves sleep quality.

5. Lavender

Renowned for its floral, herbaceous scent. Soothes nervousness, irritability, hyperactivity, and aggression issues.

6. Mandarin

Citrus oil with a tangy, tropical aroma. Uplifts mood and promotes happiness, ease, and restlessness.

7. Peppermint

Has a sharp, menthol aroma. Stimulates clear thinking improves focus, and reduces distractibility.

8. Ylang Ylang

Sweet, floral scent. It calms trauma and emotional distress and improves social interaction skills.

9. Bergamot

Features a citrusy aroma. Eases anxiety, feelings of despair, and sadness. Boosts mood.

10. Chamomile

The herbal aroma is reminiscent of apples. Alleviates irritability and hyperactivity. Encourages tranquil sleep.

Essential Oils FAQs

Is there an essential oil that helps nonverbal autism?

Ylang-ylang is sometimes used to encourage expressive communication in children with nonverbal autism.

What are the best essential oils for autism meltdowns?

Frankincense, lavender, sandalwood, and bergamot can quickly help calm an impending meltdown.

What oils may reduce autism stimming behaviors?

Vetiver and cedarwood oils used topically may help relieve stress and calm repetitive behaviors.

What are the best essential oils for autism-related sleep issues?

Lavender, Roman chamomile, and vetiver promote relaxation and sleep when diffused before bedtime.

Are there scientific studies on essential oils for autism?

Most studies have been small, but initial research shows beneficial effects. More clinical research is still needed.

Essential Oil Safety Tips

While essential oils show promise for autism and ADHD, proper precautions are crucial, including:

• Perform a skin test before wide-scale use to check for allergies or sensitivity
• Use kid-safe oils – research oil safety for young children before introducing new scents
• Dilute oils properly – use carrier oils or lotions to avoid irritation
• Keep away from eyes and mouth – oils can cause injury if ingested
• Use only 100% pure, high-quality oils from reputable brands and vendors
• Watch for any negative changes after use and discontinue oils if problems arise
• Consult your doctor before trying oils, especially if your child has asthma or seizures

How to Use Oils for Autism

There are several effective ways to use essential oils, such as:

• Diffusing aromatically to scent the air
• Applying topically when diluted with a carrier oil
• Adding a few drops to a warm bath
• Using a roll-on oil diluted in a carrier for pulse points
• Spritzing aromatherapy spray onto linens, clothes, or stuffed animals
• Incorporating into lotion, soap, or shampoo

Start with 1-2 oils to gauge effectiveness and tolerance before trying more. Observe your child closely and keep records of the results you notice.

Buying High-Quality Essential Oils

Look for pure essential oils from companies that:

• Specialize in aromatherapy oils and products
• List extraction and testing methods
• Source oil ingredients ethically and sustainably
• Avoid additives, fillers, and synthetic ingredients

Learn to recognize quality hallmarks like aroma intensity, no chemical aftertaste, viscosity, color, and how the oil absorbs into the skin. A higher price often indicates greater purity.

Essential Oil Testing Methods

Reputable sellers test oils using methods like:

• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to analyze compounds
• Organoleptic testing by aroma experts
• Refractive Index, Specific Gravity, and Optical Rotation testing
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy

Rigorous testing ensures therapeutic-grade essential oils are free of contaminants. Request test results if they are not provided.

Parent Testimonials

Many parents of children with autism report noticeable improvements and positive benefits of using essential oils for:

• “My son’s tantrums decreased by 50% and his overall mood is calmer.”
• “Her focus during homework is better and she sleeps more soundly.”
• “The lavender oil helps my daughter relax and eases transitions.”
• “Peppermint oil before class is the only thing that’s helped his attention span.”

While oils should not replace other treatments, many families find them a helpful complementary therapy. Careful usage and close monitoring are crucial to safety.

Are Essential Oils Right for Your Family?

Every child with ASD or ADHD is unique. Observe how your child responds to oils and tweak your approach as needed. Record observations to determine which oils are most beneficial. If an oil seems ineffective or causes any negative changes, stop use.

When appropriately used alongside your child’s other therapies, high-quality essential oils may be a helpful integrative addition for managing autism and ADHD symptoms. Talk to your pediatrician to decide if aromatherapy is appropriate for your family.

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Using Essential Oils Safely and Effectively for Autism

While essential oils show promise for helping manage autism symptoms, using them safely and effectively requires care and precaution. Here are some critical tips for parents new to aromatherapy.

Patch Test for Allergies

Before widely using a new essential oil, do a skin patch test to check for potential allergic reactions or sensitivity. Try a diluted drop on the inside of the arm and watch for 24-48 hours. If redness or irritation occurs, avoid that oil.

Monitor for Side Effects

Watch your child closely for any negative changes after introducing an essential oil. Stop use immediately if you observe respiratory distress, headache, nausea, or other concerning symptoms.

Follow Proper Dilution Ratios

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate skin if applied undiluted. Follow dilution guidelines specific to each oil’s potency and your child’s age. Add oils to carrier oils, lotions, baths, or room diffusers.

Limit Exposure to New Scents

When introducing a new aroma, limit oil use to 1-2 exposures on the first day. Gradually increase over time as you monitor tolerance. Too much too soon can be overwhelming.

Rotate Oils for Maximum Benefit

Switch between a few different oils instead of relying on just one. This prevents sensitization to a particular scent. It also gives you diversity in effects.

Keep Oils Out of Reach

Essential oils can be toxic or fatal if swallowed, especially for children. Store oils securely locked up and out of reach. Avoid applying to the hands where oil could transfer to the mouth.

Talk to Your Doctor First

Check with your pediatrician before using essential oils, especially if your child has a seizure disorder or asthma. Oils may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions for some children.

Work with a Certified Aromatherapist

Consider consulting a certified aromatherapist who specializes in autism support. They can help create custom oil blends tailored to your child’s needs.

Track Observations Meticulously

Keep detailed notes on each oil used, timing, concentration, effects noticed, side effects, and more. This helps you determine what works best for your child.

Using essential oils safely while carefully observing your child’s responses allows you to experimentally fine-tune an aromatherapy routine that becomes a practical part of managing his or her autism symptoms.

Creating an Essential Oils Autism Routine

Once you know which oils work well for your child with minimal side effects, you can develop a structured routine for aromatherapy. Consistency is key to seeing ongoing benefits. Here are tips for creating a daily essential oils plan.

Pick the Right Oils

Choose 2-4 oils to use in your child’s routine. Opt for oils that target your child’s biggest needs like calming anxiety, aiding sleep, or improving focus. Having a shortlist of go-to oils makes the routine simple.

Create an Aromatherapy Schedule

Use oils consistently daily when symptoms are more severe—for example, diffusing a calming oil during meltdown-prone periods or applying vetiver oil morning and night for sleep.

Incorporate Oils into Daily Activities

Add essential oils to regular activities. For example, spritz pillows with lavender spray before bedtime or apply focusing oil before homework. This integrates oils into your routine seamlessly.

Use Oils As-Needed Too

Keep oils handy for symptom flare-ups, like pre-tantrum diffusing or dabbing oil on the wrists when anxious. Meet situational needs while staying consistent with regular use.

Have Realistic Expectations

View oils as helpful complimentary support, not stand-alone “cures.” Be patient – it may take weeks to see oil benefits fully emerge. Monitor progress and fine-tune the oils and schedule as needed.

Keep It Simple and Flexible

Don’t overwhelm your child with complex regimens. If desired, ease into a simple plan focused on 1-2 target symptoms, then gradually build from there. Adjust based on your child’s evolving needs.

Be Consistent

Stick with the routine even on hard days. Consistency allows the oils’ effects to build up and promote lasting benefits. With time, essential oils can become integral to your child’s daily self-regulation toolkit.

Developing an easy-to-follow essential oils plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and incorporated into your family’s regular schedule can provide natural aromatherapy benefits to make each day a little easier.

Complementary Therapies to Pair with Essential Oils

While aromatic essential oils can help manage autism symptoms, combining aromatherapy with other complementary therapies may enhance benefits. Some examples of integrative therapies could pair well with essential oils.

Massage Therapy

Massage not only aids relaxation – it also provides soothing touch input. Combine with calming oils like lavender and vetiver to enhance the calming effects.

Weighted Blankets

The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket helps reduce anxiety. Use a blanket scented with Roman chamomile or sandalwood oil for added relaxation.

Visual Schedules

Posting a picture schedule can aid transitions between activities. Put an oil like bergamot or frankincense on the schedule to help your child stay focused and calm.

Fidget Tools

Fidget toys help channel sensory needs for kids who stim. Apply grounding vetiver or cedarwood oil on tools to strengthen attention and reduce anxiety.

Social Stories

Custom stories explaining social situations reduce confusion. Include a sniff of oils like Mandarin to reinforce mood and focus during story time.

Music Therapy

Specially designed music eases sensory overwhelm. Add a calming oil aroma from a diffuser to enhance relaxation during auditory sessions.

Occupational Therapy

OT helps build life and social skills. Use oils in therapy to boost attention, comprehension, and interactions.

Pairing essential oils with therapies that target other senses can provide more comprehensive support. But don’t overwhelm your child – start with 1-2 complementary therapies and add more gradually.

Recipes for Essential Oil Autism Blends

While single-note essential oils can be beneficial, custom blends allow you to mix scents to target specific autism symptoms. Here are some blend recipes to try:

Focusing Blend

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• Two drops of grapefruit essential oil
• One drop of cypress essential oil
• Two teaspoons carrier oil

Peppermint and grapefruit provide a refreshing aroma to enhance concentration and attention. Cypress oil boosts mental clarity.

Calming Blend

• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• One drop of frankincense essential oil
• Two teaspoons carrier oil

Lavender and chamomile oils reduce anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. Frankincense promotes relaxation.

Sleep Blend

• 3 drops Vetiver essential oil
• Two drops of cedarwood essential oil
• One drop of marjoram essential oil
• Two teaspoons carrier oil

Vetiver and cedarwood induce tranquility and sleepiness. Marjoram oil alleviates insomnia.

Stress Relief Blend

• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop clary sage essential oil
• 1 drop patchouli essential oil
• Two teaspoons carrier oil

Bergamot helps ease sadness, grief, and despair. Clary sage and patchouli balance emotions and reduce anxiety.

Self-Expression Blend

• Two drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
• One drop of jasmine essential oil
• One drop of rose essential oil
• Two teaspoons carrier oil

Ylang-ylang promotes communication and interaction. Jasmine and rose oils foster confidence, harmony, and joy.

Combine specific oils tailored to your child’s needs. Adjust ratios based on aroma strength preference. Record effects to tweak future blend recipes.

Tips for Using Essential Oils at School

If your child’s school allows essential oil use, there are ways to incorporate aromatherapy safely into the classroom. Here are some tips:

Discuss Plans with Staff

Talk to your child’s teacher and school staff to inform them about oils you feel could help your child focus, stay calm, etc. Discuss best practices for use.

Try a Wearable Diffuser

Portable diffuser pendants allow your child to benefit from calming scents throughout the day. Use diluted oils safe for your child’s skin.

Offer Cotton Balls with Oil

Scented cotton balls can provide an aromatherapy boost. Place a diluted oil of choice onto a cotton ball for your child to inhale as needed.

Use Personal Inhalers

Small inhaler tubes let your child discreetly take a whiff of stimulating or relaxing oil when overwhelmed or distracted. Load inhalers with the oil blend you choose.

Pack Scented Tools

Keep crayons, markers, fidget toys, or objects in a bag scented with your kid’s preferred oil. Smelling the aroma throughout the day promotes stability.

Limit Exposure

Only use oils beneficial to your child – some scents may sensitize classmates. Avoid diffusing oils that may trigger asthma or allergies in other children.

Be Consistent

Coordinate aromatherapy use between home and school to maintain a consistent schedule. This solidifies the benefits of oils.

Using essential oils at school requires extra care and collaboration with staff. When handled appropriately, oils can become integral to supporting your child throughout each school day.

Troubleshooting Essential Oil Challenges

While many parents find essential oils helpful for managing autism symptoms, you may encounter some challenges. Here are tips for troubleshooting common issues:

Problem: Oils seem ineffective

• Consider increasing concentration or application frequency
• Try a different oil or blend – responses vary
• Pair oils with complementary therapies like massage
• Give it more time – benefits may take weeks to emerge

Problem: The child becomes overstimulated

• Adjust dilution levels – a little goes a long way
• Limit exposure times to avoid overwhelming
• Avoid diffusing strong scents in small spaces
• Switch to more subtly scented oils

Problem: The child’s symptoms worsen

• Discontinue the use of any oil that seems to make things worse
• Monitor for allergies or adverse reactions
• Ensure you are buying pure, high-quality oils
• Seek medical guidance to rule out interactions or contraindications

Problem: Oils cause skin irritation

• Immediately discontinue the use of any oil causing irritation
• Ensure proper dilution – add more carrier oil if needed
• Do a skin patch test with diluted oils first
• Avoid photosensitizing oils that increase sun sensitivity

Problem: The child attempts to ingest oil

• Keep oils securely out of reach and tightly closed
• Avoid contact with hands and wrists
• Monitor closely during use
• Purchase food-grade oils if ingestion risks are high

Adjustments to oils, blends, and usage guidelines can help troubleshoot most aromatherapy challenges. Discontinue use if any oil seems unsafe or detrimental.

Exploring Other Complementary Options

While essential oils show promise for supporting autism symptoms, they may not be right for every child. Some other complementary therapies to consider include:

Music Therapy

Specially designed music can aid communication, socialization, sensory processing, and emotion regulation. Kids may be more receptive to auditory input.

Art Therapy

Creating art nonverbally allows kids with autism to express thoughts and feelings safely. The tactile aspect also provides sensory input.

Aquatic Therapy

The soothing nature of water can reduce anxiety, improve muscle strength and coordination, and encourage interaction. Pools offer a controlled environment.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Interacting with affectionate animals like dogs or horses can encourage social responsiveness, communication, and emotional bonding.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory tools and guided activities help kids better process and integrate sensory information from their environment. This reduces overwhelm.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT builds coping strategies to manage challenging behaviors and thought patterns. Skills apply to real-life situations.

Play Therapy

Guiding a child through play activities promotes social-emotional progress like flexibility, problem-solving, and relating to others.

While essential oils have their benefits, every child is unique. Work closely with your child’s treatment team to explore complementary therapies that may provide additional helpful support.

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Making Essential Oils Part of Your Autism Support Toolkit

Integrating essential oils into your child’s autism therapy routine as a complementary tool can provide helpful benefits but should be done with care and realistic expectations. Here are some final tips as you get started with aromatherapy:

• Research oil safety and dosing for kids thoroughly before use
• Consult your child’s doctor to address any medical concerns
• Start slowly with 1-2 kid-safe oils and build up gradually
• Dilute oils properly and monitor for skin irritation
• Use only 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils from trusted brands
• Create a consistent schedule for oil use during symptom-prone times
• Track observations meticulously so you know what works
• Be patient – it may take several weeks to notice positive changes
• Adjust your routine based on how your child responds
• Discontinue any oil that seems ineffective or causes adverse effects
• Consider consulting a certified aromatherapist for guidance
• Use oils as a supplemental support, not a standalone treatment

While more research is still needed, using high-quality essential oils safely may be a beneficial complement to other autism therapies. As with any treatment, work closely with your child’s doctor and carefully monitor your child’s responses. Oils will not be a magic cure, but they may provide helpful symptomatic relief and support when used judiciously.

Here are some concluding thoughts to wrap up the essential oils and autism article:

Conclusion

For many families, essential oils represent a safe, natural way to help manage challenging autism and ADHD symptoms. Preliminary research shows promising benefits for focus, sleep, anxiety, and meltdowns when high-quality oils are correctly used.

While oils should not replace medically-directed treatments, they may provide helpful complementary support. Patience, diligence, and consistent routines are crucial to seeing results. Carefully observe your child’s unique responses to fine-tune an aromatherapy plan that fits your family’s lifestyle.

Work closely with your doctor to decide if essential oils suit your child’s needs. With careful usage and monitoring, many parents find aromatherapy benefits quality of life without needing medication. While more research is warranted, essential oils give families another integrative option on their journey of supporting a child with autism or ADHD.

Here are some final thoughts to wrap up the essential oils and autism article:

Final Tips

• Approach essential oils as a complementary support rather than a sole treatment.
• Have realistic expectations – oils take time and consistency to show benefits.
• Monitor your child closely and adjust the oils and routine as needed.
• Maintain open communication with your doctor throughout use.
• Use 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils from reputable suppliers.
• Proper dilution and gradual exposure is crucial for safety.
• Document effects meticulously to determine what works best.
• Discontinue oils causing any adverse reactions.
• Consider consulting a certified aromatherapist for guidance.
• Be patient – integrating oils takes time but can enhance quality of life.

While more research is needed, using essential oils as part of a comprehensive autism or ADHD therapy plan may provide natural support to make each day easier. As with any treatment, diligence, caution, and working closely with your child’s doctor can help determine if aromatherapy is right for your family.

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