SNOEZELEN ROOMS

SNOEZELEN ROOMS
Our goals for today
• Provide you with information about what a
Snoezelen room is
• Review its benefits and uses
• Show you examples of Snoezelen rooms in
our area and why they are beneficial
• Explore with you the potential for a
Snoezelen room in Espanola/Manitoulin
area
• Determine next steps
What is Snoezelen?
• Concept is of Dutch origins approximately
35 years ago
• The name is derived from the meaning of
two Dutch words:
‘snufflen’: meaning to seek out or to
explore
‘doezelen’: meaning to relax or to be in
a wonderful
place
The Snoezelen Philosophy
• Pure Snoezelen has no purpose other than
enjoyment
• Today, it is used for education, therapy,
stimulation, calming, interaction, treatment
• Sessions are best if in safe, comfortable
atmosphere with an air or enjoyment, motivation
• Improve client/caregiver relationship
• An approach designed to enhance quality of life
What is Snoezelen?
• Snoezelen is a Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE).
• A child learns about the world through his or her senses. The
size of a child’s world grows as the child becomes more aware.
• Multi-sensory environments have been proven to present
opportunities to improve communication, enhance
understanding, and build trust.
• Snoezelen is a resource to improve the quality of life for people
with disabilities and produces positive effects for clients with
autism, chronic pain, challenging behaviours, acquired brain
injuries, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, etc. Participants
experience: self-control, autonomous discovery, exploration,
achievements, overcome inhibitions, enhance self-esteem, and
reduce tension.
Snoezelen for Children
• Schools
• Acute Care and Rehabilitation Centres
• Autism Programs
• Early Intervention
• Deaf-Blind Programs
• Palliative Care/Hospice
• Respite/Group Homes
• Private Homes
Snoezelen for Adults
• Recreation Centers
• Residential Facilities
• Adult Day Programs
• Health Centres/Outpatient Care
• Psychiatric Care
Snoezelen Research
• Concept has grown throughout the world
• Growth has occurred mostly through anecdotal evidence
• Quality evidence now emerging in several areas
• Neuro-scientific research now explaining many sensory
based responses
• Hundreds of research papers (chronic pain, brain injury,
maladaptive behaviour)
How Snoezelen works …
• Decreases anxiety
• Allow specific type and level of sensory input to be
controlled
• Allows overall “noise levels” to be reduced and/or
enhanced as needed
• Increases opportunity for focus and attention
• Helps modulate sensory-related behaviors
* A MSE/Snoezelen is an environment “where stimulation can be
controlled, manipulated, intensified, reduced, presented in isolation
or combination, packaged for active or passive interaction, or
temporarily matched to fit the perceived motivation, interests,
leisure, relaxation, and therapeutic and/or educational needs of the
user.” (Pagliano, 1998)
Research has shown that Snoezelen …
• Stimulates the senses
• Provides an alternative to medication and isolation
• Increases functionality, awareness and attention
• Improves appetite, memory, cognition, speech
• Increases happiness
• Encourages movement, range of motion, posture
• Deceases aggression, abuse, anxiety, wandering
Sensory Experience
• “Our Sensory diet needs are similar to our nutritional diet needs.
We need the right combination of sensory input to keep an
optimal level of alertness and performance”. Patricia Wilbarger
• Some individuals are not able to organize and respond
appropriately to sensory stimuli
• The world can be a confusing and frightening place, full of over
or under stimulation
• “People need to understand that behavior is always
communication, it is always telling something.” Lorna Jean King
Sensory Deprivation may arise from …
• Impaired functionality
• Impaired cognitive skills
• Lowered sensory acuity
• Limited memory, focus
• Low engagement
• Reduced opportunities for personal interaction
• Restricted movement
Sensory deprivation can lead to …
• Disruptive behaviours
• Sensory distortion
• Self abuse
• Aggressive behaviour
• Impaired social emotions skills
• Reduced motivation
• Withdrawal
Sensory Overload
• Inability to process or manage the amount or intensity
of sensory stimuli.
• Frequently observed with autism spectrum disorders.
• Can lead to: irritability, anxiety, restlessness,
aggression, fatigue, reduced abilities, stress, anxiety,
frustration.
The Snoezelen experience can include …
• Touch, smell, visual stimulation, hearing sensations
• Vestibular motion – swinging, rocking
• Proprioception – climbing, lifting, reaching
• Firm pressure – massage, vibration, pressure
vest/blanket
• Temperature change
Snoezelen can be used to:
• Explore
• Calm
• Relax
• Stimulate
• Empower
• Enjoy
• Enrich
• Educate
The Snoezelen Experience
Jean Paul II, Val Caron, Ontario
Accessibility
Snoezelen Room
Jean Paul II
Foam blocking at entrance
Entrance is wheelchair accessible
Ceiling track lift
Oval track on ceiling in order to access all
areas of the room
Sound and light shelf
Light projectors and sound system are mounted
where children cannot access
Systems and all equipment in room are operated
with a remote
Wall
Panels
Snoezelen Room
Jean Paul II
Bubbling Water Panel
(lights reflecting from other effects in the room;
light currently not working in box)
Sound to Light Panel
(lights react to sound produced by music
player or voice)
Star Panel
Catherine Wheel
Fibre Optic Wall Panel
Light Effects
Snoezelen Room
Jean Paul II
Light Effects Ball Pool
Wall Light Chase
Fibre Optic Curtain Entrance
Colour Changing Bubble Tube
with Mirrored Walls
Fibre Optic Light
Spray
Mirror Ball
Projected Images on wall
Teacher experiences with Snoezelen …
• Teacher at Jean Paul II provided the following
comments about the use of Snoezelen room for her
students:
• for some of the kids it is the only place where they can
be themselves and chose what they want to do
• lots of my students express themselves for the first time
in the Snoezelen
• there are no expectations, they go at their own rhythm
• you can find out lots of thing about you students, what
they like, dislike (music, sounds, lights, bubbles,
textures,…)
Snoezelen Room
St. Charles Borromée
Remote to
Control units
- room dimensions: ~12’ x 12’
- door that opens inward to mats are placed to accommodate
- fabric on ceiling is flame retardant
- smaller items/less expensive items in the room were purchased with funds donated by local service
clubs/organizations
- small window in door is covered to maintain darkness in the room to maximize light effects
Snoezelen Room
Ste Marie,
Azilda, Ontario
Snoezelen room
at PIUS
Snoezelen Pool at HSN
Next Steps …
• Location would need to be determined. Ideally it should be easy to get
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to/centrally located. Should have accessible access and free parking. It would
need to be locked when not in use. Room dimensions should be large enough for
the equipment, but not too large (ie., ~ 12’ x 12’). No windows or windows would
need to be covered when the room is being used. Shelving needs to be added to
place lighting and stereo equipment out of reach. May also want lockable storage
for smaller items).
Funding is required for initial ordering and set-up of equipment. The room may
also require electrical work in order to run the units. The company can give the
specifications for the room.
Room will require ongoing maintenance and cleaning. In future, may require
repairs/light bulb replacement, etc. Also, small tactile items (ie., sensory balls)
need to be replaced if broken/with increased use. Weighted blanket needs to be
washed, etc.
Would need to be able to schedule/reserve time and could potentially offer to
other groups that may benefit.
May want to have an application/waiver to clarify expectations for use/care. This
would require a contact person to organize/maintain.
This environment could be used to meet a great need for many people in the
Espanola and Manitoulin area and would have many positive benefits for children
with a variety of therapy needs.
Questions??