Compare Herb Scents and Communicate Boundaries

Curriculum skill focus: Olfactory discrimination, memory, preference communication, sensory regulation

01 · Learning

Objectives

• Choose no scent, picture-only comparison, a brief sample or stop before any exposure.
• Compare selected samples or images while labeling the comparison method accurately.
• Express a preference and an adjustment such as farther away, no more or a scent-free space.

02 · Preparation

Materials

At most two identified screened fresh herbs in facilitator-controlled closed containers; matching plant images; an empty clean no-scent option; preference and stop choices; usual AAC. No oils, extracts, powders, sprays or diffusers.

03 · Practice

Adult project

1. 1

   Check individual allergy, asthma, migraine, respiratory and sensory plans before preparing an exposure. If screening is unclear or anyone needs a scent-free shared space, use images only; one person’s consent does not authorize exposing others.

2. 2

   Choose the route and intended result, such as communicating a preference for a garden work area. Review no scent, farther, change and stop signals while containers remain closed; no memory explanation is expected.

3. 3

   If screening, the setting and active opt-in allow it, the facilitator briefly opens one container at a comfortable distance and then closes it. Do not place it under a nose; the participant controls whether to continue and can request removal immediately.

4. 4

   After a pause, describe an optional feature such as strong, faint, familiar, new or uncertain. In the image-only route, compare visible herb features instead and record the work as visual, not an olfactory test.

5. 5

   Choose whether to compare a second sample, repeat the first or stop; neither two samples nor scent exposure is required. Select a preference or boundary and, if wanted, try one adjustment without increasing intensity to obtain a response.

6. 6

   Review a concise preference record such as images only in a shared room or one brief sample farther away. Keep any associations private unless you choose to share them, close and remove the materials and wash hands after handling herbs.

Participation by choice

Individual access options

• Choose a fully scent-free session using herb photographs, with no containers opened in the shared space.
• Use one briefly offered sample only after opt-in, select distance and pauses, and omit any second sample or memory discussion.
• Communicate with usual AAC, signs, gaze or a partner-assisted choice sequence; the facilitator handles containers and observes your established stop signal.

Review & transfer

Reflect on the work

• What comparison could you make, and which method did you use?
• What would you want another person to do before introducing scent around you?