Odour detection in children and young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

Abstract

Background: Olfaction provides information on very important dimensions of the environment; however the olfactory abilities of children and young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) remain largely unknown.This within-subjects study explores olfactory detection abilities in children with PIMD.Method: Twenty-two children and young people with PIMD (7-18 years) were presented with 18 medium intensity odours and an odourless control stimulus. Odorants were presented one by one in a randomised order. The neutral stimulus was presented prior to each odorant. Participants' responses were measured using 21 behavioural indicators.Results: Results show that participants make a clear distinction between odorous and neutral conditions, between food and non-food, and between pleasant and unpleasant odours. The detection abilities are manifested by several behaviours, in particular by the duration of the head alignment on the odorant. Conclusions:This study shows that participants detect the stimuli and act differently depending on the category.

Supporters' experiences of sensory characteristics of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in after‐school daycare centres: A qualitative study

“…Research is underway to understand the preferences and emotions of children with PIMD using microswitches and other technologies (Roche et al, 2015). For the time being, it will be important alignment, frowning and yawning (Petitpierre et al, 2022). Even in children with severe disabilities, supporters may be able to interpret responses to sensory stimuli from physiological indicators such as heart rate and behaviours (Lima et al, 2012(Lima et al, , 2013.…”

“…Therefore, the participants observed and cared for the children with PIMD by observing children's various reactions, such as facial expressions and voices, rather than relying on test results alone. It has been suggested that children with PIMD may indicate pleasure or discomfort through changes in head alignment, frowning and yawning (Petitpierre et al, 2022 ). Even in children with severe disabilities, supporters may be able to interpret responses to sensory stimuli from physiological indicators such as heart rate and behaviours (Lima et al, 2012 , 2013 ).…”

“…Particularly, paying attention to sensory stimuli in the surrounding environment, such as hearing and smell, is difficult. It has been reported that children with PIMD can distinguish between odours (Petitpierre et al, 2022 ). Therefore, it is important to consider the effect of the smell of other children's stools and vomit in a limited space.…”

Odor hedonic responses in children and young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

“…Odor perceived intensity was determined by the same individuals on a 9-level Likert scale (1 = no odor at all to 9 = extremely strong odor). The concentration of non-commercial odorants was manipulated to select those of medium intensity according to neurotypical judgments ( 33 , 34 ). Eight hedonically contrasted odorants were selected.…”

“…The interjudge of four indicators could not be calculated due to too few data. Full details on the coding procedure are available in a previous publication ( 33 ).…”