Occupational therapy for children is a type of intervention that aims to help children who have difficulty performing age-appropriate activities and routines. The goal is for the child to become more independent, autonomous, and participatory in their daily life and community. It can improve children's motor skills, balance, and coordination. It also addresses cognitive issues through activities focused on enhancing their mental, social, and emotional development. 

The more and better the tools and resources available in therapy, the more comprehensive the treatment can be. One of these resources is the use of olfactory stimulation.

From olfactory rehabilitation to autism

Traditionally, olfactory stimulation was used only in cases of olfactory disorders, such as anosmia or hyposmia. However, it has been found to offer enormous benefits as part of a broader range of treatments. comprehensive therapy.

For example, it can help children develop their sense of smell, recognize and associate different smells with people, objects, and situations, and improve their memory and learning. 

It can also have a positive effect on people with autism, It has been observed that individuals with autism have a different olfactory adaptation than non-autistic individuals. Olfactory adaptation is the process by which the nervous system reduces sensitivity to an odor after prolonged or repeated exposure. This can influence attention, memory, and behavior. Olfactory stimulation can be part of a sensory integration program, which aims to improve the ability to process and interpret sensory stimuli appropriately.

TOi Robot includes an aroma diffuser among its tools; together with its other high-tech tools such as the rocker and the Sensy Magic cube, it can offer a huge number of therapeutic options in therapies. 

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A duo consisting of the therapist and the TOi Robot proves highly effective in sessions focused on physical, cognitive, and psychological rehabilitation. It's a comprehensive therapy system that helps children feel comfortable and receptive to the activities the therapist proposes. 

Olfactory therapy at home

To provide olfactory stimulation at home, parents can use everyday products that have different smells, such as colognes, deodorants, lotions, spices, herbs, fruits, coffee, cheese, etc. 

You can also use different types of essential oils, such as fruity, floral, spicy, and resinous. You can suggest an activity where children smell them from a safe distance, either directly or through a diffuser. It's important that this activity be done naturally and in a stimulating way for the children; for example, you can hide the scents around the house and ask the children to find them using their sense of smell.