The client is a 17-year-old male diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism, seizure disorder, insomnia, constipation, and hyperlipidemia. His primary complaints were anxiety, aggression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, constipation, and inflammation. His mother reports that he had meltdowns at least once weekly. His meltdowns were terrible – they were in cycles and would include violent outbursts, screaming, and biting.
A meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming circumstances – a complete loss of behavioral control. People with autism often have difficulty expressing themselves when they feel overly anxious or overwhelmed, leading to an involuntary coping mechanism – a meltdown. His mother would often have to leave work and be with him during these episodes. He was on several medications, including Trileptal, Prozac, Melatonin, probiotics, and Zyprexa (an antipsychotic) at bedtime.
Due to some of his medications being Cytochromes P450 (CYP) substrates, there were many precautions to consider such as potential medication interactions and his medical conditions in general. With autism, it is difficult to perceive how one will react to certain medications or oils. Each individual is different and just because a protocol will work great for one individual does not mean it will work for another.
Formula for topical blend for meltdowns
(Approximately 2% dilution)
15ml Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
15ml Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum)
5 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
3 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
3 drops Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Safflower oil Carthamus tinctorius was used in the base due to its ability to aid with digestive complaints and inflammation. (Dechen, 2021). I added Sesame oil Sesamum indicum to aid with inflammation, digestion and it is warming, also because it is rich in vitamins and minerals and some of its other components give it an antioxidant effect. (Dechen, 2021). I selected Sweet Orange essential oil Citrus sinensis due to its anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, as well as the increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and the decreased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. (Dechen, 2021)(Battaglia, 2018). Frankincense Boswellia carterii is used in Ayurveda for treating inflammatory diseases and I chose it for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to aid with congested lymph. (Battaglia, 2018)(Dechen, 2021). I selected Patchouli essential oil Pogostemon cablin to round out the blend for its ability to calm the mind when stressed and its sedative properties. (Battaglia, 2018)(Dechen, 2021). The oils were chosen based on functionality more so than scent profile.
His psychiatric nurse practitioner approved the blend and he began using the blend twice daily for two weeks, topically applied to arms, chest, abdomen, legs, and back. It was done in the morning prior to school and in the evenings prior to him going to bed.
A dead sea salt shower scrub using this blend was also formulated as a secondary application. The secondary application was added due to the severity of his symptoms. The formula was the exact essential oil blend mixed with 3 tbsp. of Safflower oil into ¼ cup of fine grain dead sea salt & ¼ cup of sea salt. It was applied 2 times weekly x 2 weeks when he showered in the evenings before bed. It was advised this be scrubbed in a circular motion in the direction of the flow of lymph.(Dechen, 2021). This secondary application was reviewed by his psychiatric nurse practitioner and approved for use. He began using the blend twice daily for two weeks topically applied to arms, chest, abdomen, legs, and back, followed by using the shower scrub applied to the same areas 2-3 times weekly for two weeks. When the shower salt scrub was used, the evening topical blend was not used afterwards.
During this time, his meltdowns stopped. His mother would use the oils topically as needed to arms, chest, abdomen, legs and back when she would notice his mood begin to build up to a possible meltdown. The formula was changed, removing patchouli Pogostemon cablin, and replaced it with three drops of Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia to relax both the body and mind. (Dechen, 2021). The replacement was used because in his case, he was still having trouble regulating his moods and the Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia proved to be more stabilizing under stress.
Once again, his nurse practitioner reviewed and approved the use of this changed blend. His mother waited a week then began the use of the new blend. During this time, his meltdowns ceased altogether and his digestion, sleep, and overall mood improved. His mother stopped regular use after two weeks and used the oil blend only as needed when she noticed his mood beginning to work up to a meltdown. I say this often because there are usually tell tale signs parents will notice prior. In my son’s case, he will often pace, become non-compliant with tasks such as getting dressed or refusing to get in the car if it is time to leave the house. In the client’s case, his mom would notice him rocking back and forth in a forceful manner, he might moan or lay in the floor and refuse to do whatever task she needed him to do or he would hit or bite himself.
His nurse practitioner titrated down his Zyprexa until she was able to discontinue the use of this medication altogether. His mother reports now that he has been virtually free of meltdowns since using his first oil blend. She continues to use this blend on an as-needed basis. He is now off all medications, except routine medications for his seizure disorder.
His Aromatherapy blends began at the end of March 2021 and are now used on an as-needed basis. It should be noted that due to his sensory processing disorder, he was unable to use a nasal inhaler. Some autistic individuals may not be able to tolerate the grainy feeling of a shower salt scrub and I would recommend checking with the family (if your client is non-verbal) if the client is able to tolerate that type of texture prior to beginning that kind of therapy.
Originally written12/13/2022
Acknowledgment: Appreciation for the guidance from my instructor and mentor, Shanti Dechen, CCAP, CAI, LMT, that this was possible. A special mention to my other mentor Tina Chabot, e-RYT 500, Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist, Wellness Coach and Health Counselor for guiding me in Ayurveda.
References
RDIConnect; What is Autism Meltdown?; https://www.rdiconnect.com/what-is-an-autism-meltdown/; Retrieved July 13, 2021.
Dechen, Shanti.(2002-2021). Aromatherapy Certification Level 1 Text [eBook Edition]. Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy. www.learnaroma.com. pp. 58, 60, 68-69, 100, 114.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 3rd ed., Black Pepper Creative, 2018. pp. 305-312, 447-453, 464-469, 556-563.
Image credit: My son and I