The Forgotten Senses: How Taste, Smell, and Temperature Affect Accessibility

When we talk about sensory accessibility, most people think of noise, light, and touch. Quiet rooms, dimmed lighting, and soft furnishings are now becoming more common in inclusive design. But what often gets left out of the conversation are the less visible senses—taste, smell, and temperature.

For many people with disability, neurodivergence, or sensory processing differences, these “forgotten senses” can have a major impact on comfort, participation, and wellbeing. Whether it’s the strong smell of cleaning products, the texture of certain foods, or a room that’s too hot or cold, sensory overload can happen in ways that are easily overlooked.

By understanding how these senses affect accessibility, support workers, families, and community organisations can help create environments where more people feel safe and included.

Taste and Texture: More Than Just Preferences

People with sensory sensitivities may struggle with food that has certain flavours, textures, temperatures, or even colours. This isn’t just about being “fussy”—it can be a deeply distressing, even nauseating, experience.

Common challenges include:

• Dislike of mixed textures (e.g. fruit in yoghurt, soup with chunks)

• Strong aversions to bitter, spicy, or overly sweet foods

• Gag reflex triggered by certain consistencies (e.g. mushy, gritty, slimy)

• Sensory-seeking behaviours (e.g. craving very crunchy or cold foods)

Support workers and carers can help by:

• Offering plain or predictable foods

• Respecting food aversions without pressure

• Separating different food items on a plate

• Consulting a speech pathologist or occupational therapist for guidance on sensory-friendly diets or texture modifications

• Understanding that mealtimes are about dignity, not discipline

For some individuals, especially those with intellectual disability or autism, being able to eat comfortably and safely is key to feeling in control—and avoiding sensory distress during meals.

Smell: The Invisible Trigger

Scent is powerful. It can evoke strong memories—or intense reactions. For people with sensory processing differences, smells that others barely notice can cause headaches, nausea, or distress.

Common triggers include:

• Strong perfumes or colognes

• Cleaning products and disinfectants

• Air fresheners or scented candles

• Food smells (especially fish, eggs, or reheated meals)

• Smoke or petrol fumes

Where possible, aim to:

• Use unscented or low-scent products in support environments

• Ask before spraying perfumes or aerosols around others

• Ventilate spaces regularly

• Offer alternatives to shared kitchens or communal eating areas if needed

What’s barely noticeable to one person can be overwhelming for another—especially in enclosed spaces or during support tasks like transport or cooking.

Temperature: Comfort Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Temperature regulation can be a real challenge for some people with disability, especially those with certain neurological conditions, sensory disorders, or who take medications that affect internal body temperature.

What feels “normal” to one person may feel freezing or stifling to someone else.

Support workers and carers can help by:

• Checking in regularly about temperature comfort

• Offering layers, weighted blankets, or cooling aids as needed

• Avoiding extremes—too hot, too cold, too drafty

• Being flexible about indoor/outdoor activities based on weather

• Advocating for environmental changes in group settings or workplaces

Temperature sensitivity can affect mood, focus, energy, and participation—but it’s often dismissed because it’s not visible.

Inclusion Starts with Sensory Awareness

When we only focus on sight and sound, we leave people behind. True sensory accessibility means thinking holistically—and considering the full range of human experiences.

For support workers, this could mean adjusting a meal plan, opening a window, choosing unscented soap, or simply asking, “Is there anything about this environment that feels uncomfortable for you?”

Small changes make a big difference.

Respecting the Whole Sensory Experience

Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and signage. It’s about comfort, dignity, and safety—across all the senses. By noticing and responding to challenges related to taste, smell, and temperature, we create support environments that are more personalised, more inclusive, and more human.

Because everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin—and in the spaces around them.