02/28/2023
Interesting for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition characterized by a broad range of symptoms that impacts a person’s ability to socialize, communicate, learn, think, and problem solve. According to the DSM-5, there are three levels of ASD depending on how severe the disorder is and the requirement for support to function in daily life. Level 1 requires minimal support but expresses difficulty in social interactions, organization, and planning. Level 2 requires substantial support with social interactions limited to narrow special interests and repetitive behaviors. Level 3 has severe verbal and nonverbal social communication skills deficits and express great distress and difficulty changing actions or focus that requires very substantial support. ASD affects each person differently and there are nearly infinite spectrums experienced. One in forty-four children is currently diagnosed with ASD, which has increased from 1 in 150 since 2000.
A preclinical model of autism-like behaviors investigated the effects of inhaling ylang ylang essential oil—ten minutes exposure for seven days. What the researchers found was that lower amounts of ylang ylang oil significantly enhanced social interactions with strangers, while medium exposure to ylang ylang oil improved task performance and anxiety related to the task. Additionally, inhalation of the oil enhanced metabolism of serotonin and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. The researchers concluded that ylang ylang inhalation alleviates anxiety and improves cognitive and social abilities, suggesting it may improve the quality of life of individuals with ASD.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095496423000067