42 | Smell Sensitivity & Sensory Processing in Autism | Dipali Devani

Some children seem overwhelmed by everyday smells, while others seek out strong scents or react in ways that can leave parents feeling confused and unsure how to help. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by occupational therapist Dipali Devani to talk about smell sensitivity, sensory processing, and practical ways families can support children who are highly affected by scents in their environment. Dipali explains how the olfactory system connects with regulation, behavior, taste, and memory, and why certain smells can trigger distress, avoidance, nausea, or big emotional reactions. She also shares simple, actionable strategies parents can try, including journaling triggers, introducing smells slowly and safely, and using calming or alerting scents in supportive ways. This episode is a helpful starting point for parents who want to better understand what their child may be experiencing and how occupational therapy can help. It is warm, practical, and full of simple ideas families can begin using right away. Topics Covered What sensory sensitivity means, especially with smell How smell can affect regulation, behavior, and emotional responses Why some children are especially sensitive to certain scents How smell and taste work closely together Why journaling triggers can help parents spot patterns Gentle ways to desensitize children to difficult smells How calming and alerting scents can support regulation Why occupational therapy can be helpful early on Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:30 What smell sensitivity means in sensory processing 04:39 Why journaling triggers is a helpful first step 10:27 How to slowly reintroduce difficult smells 13:44 Real-life OT example using mashed potatoes 18:15 Using calming and alerting scents to support regulation Memorable Quote "You don't know what else is involved. You might not know what else the child needs as a support." About the Guest Dipali Devani is an occupational therapist at Pure Hearts Therapy who specializes in sensory integration and supporting children through practical, family-centered strategies. She is also an Ayurvedic practitioner and brings an integrative, client-centered perspective to her work with children and families. Resources Mentioned The Out-of-Sync Child Occupational therapy Sensory diets About the Host Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy practice supporting children and families through compassionate, practical care. Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956 Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com