Social Integration: Henry’s story.

Social Integration:

The ability to integrate with society and other people help the individual suffering from the disability to build important relationships with friends, family members and helpers/therapists. Unfortunately the practice of socialization is can be quite hard if the individual is self-conscious about his or her ability to communicate.

There are various ways to help improve the socialization skills of these individuals. First the teacher or parent of the individual must contact therapists to evaluate the child’s behaviour. These therapists introduce creative activities of building self esteem and confidence which could help the individual suffering from the disability overcome various situations. A therapist is also encouraged to teach and train helpers to encourage other to accept these individuals when out in public and amongst groups. Caregivers are also encouraged to look for opportunities to engage the child such as the use of laughter, education and the encouragement of overcoming difficulties. They are also encouraged to allow the individual experiment and explore the environment individually.      

Henry’s Story:

Henry is an 18 year old who suffers from various disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and visual impairment. Henry looks forward to his visits to the multi sensorial rooms. Henry finds the areas of lighting activities as his favorite environment. Henry managed to explore the bright light stimulation of fiber optics through the use of vision and tactile awareness. According to his caregivers, Henry found the changes from dark to light and from red to yellow to be the most visually stimulating and this helped him to focus his visual attention for longer periods of times. These activities helped Henry integrate with his school mates and helped him take part in school activities with more confidence. Thanks to his improved skills in colour visualization Henry took the lead role of switching the bright infinity lights as part of the story during drama classes.

Henry developed his skills from those of awareness and attention to include the abilities to choose his own equipment and learn how to use the switch to control the lights. This story shows us that multi sensorial rooms can have a huge impact and immense value in terms of personal development and empowerment.   

Reference list:

senmagazine.co.uk. 2016. Sensory adventures. [ONLINE] Available at:https://senmagazine.co.uk/articles/articles/senarticles/sensory-adventures. [Accessed 28 May 2016].

cerebralpalsy.org. 2016. Socialization. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/information/socialization. [Accessed 28 May 2016].

The History and Approach of the Snoezelen

During the 1970’s two Dutch therapists, Jan Hulsegge and Ad Verheul experimented with a sensory tent at an institute. The aim of this was to increase sensory experiences for individuals that suffer from disabilities. The results that emerged from a weekend fair were positive and this led onto bigger things and projects.

The first Snoezelen in the UK

After different fund raising events, Joe Kewin teamed together with his team worked hard to design multi sensorial Snoezelen centre at Whittington Hall in the UK. The Whittington hall was a large place which was dedicated to helping adults which suffer from different disabilities and opened its first Snoezelen in 1987. Thanks to this huge project the Whittington Hall became the pioneer in early research and became the first Snoezelen environment in the UK.

The growth of the Snoezelen beyond the UK and Holland

1.       1992: First Snoezelen room opened in Canada

2.       1992: First Snoezelen room opened in the US

The Snoezelen concept has grown year over year and can be found in over 40 countries around the world.

Snoezelen in New Settings

The Snoezelen concept has evolved and has been proven useful in different settings. It is now common in different places such as schools, churches, community centres and many households. The Snoezelen technique can help learning development, relaxation and raise alertness levels. Since its conception the Snoezelen concept has improved the quality of life of many individuals.

Recent Snoezelen Projects

1.       2005: Snoezelen facilities in Florida. This complex boasts an 11,000 square feet area which provides equipment for children in need of sensory equipment.

2.       2008: Sensory room in a church for the first time and since then 35 more clubs have been installed in churches.

3.       2015 – The large project of designing and installing 5 Snoezelen rooms at Texas Children’s Hospital and surrounding campuses 

Snoezeelen concept in a class room 

Whittington Hall

Reference List :

snoezelen.info. 2016. History and Approach. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.snoezelen.info/history/. [Accessed 23 May 2016].

Benefits and Application of the Snoezelen Concept

The Snoezelen concept is suitable for all ages. The Snoezelen rooms offer a relaxed atmosphere with various sound effects, pleasant surroundings, tactile experiences and gentle movements. Interesting lighting effects allows the individual to self regulate by choosing sensations. The sensory room provides an environment for interaction and engagement.

As said earlier the Snoezelen concept could be used for different ages and abilities such as:

1.       Snoezelen for early years

2.       Snoezelen for Challenging Behaviour

3.       Snoezelen for Occupational Therapy

4.       Snoezelen for Learning Disabilities

5.       Snoezelen for Mental Health

6.       Snoezelen for Autism

7.       Snoezelen for Brain Injury

8.       Snoezelen for the Elderly

The sensory rooms and Snoezelen technique would help the individual suffering from the disability to calm down and relax. The Snoezelen concept for learning disabilities is a very complex area of support. Clients for this area may have a diverse range of diagnoses that impact their life. These individuals may have a difficulty to understand, communicate and processing information which makes learning and engaging with others very difficult. Support in a sensory room mainly focuses on helping the individual to be independent.

These sensory rooms are spaces that are tailored for the individual suffering from the disability to meet their specific needs such as therapeutic and educational equipment. The use of projections are considered as one of the main pieces of equipment in these rooms due to the fact that they show various multimedia to suit the learning needs of the individual. Story telling could also be used in a multi sensorial environment. While telling a story, tactile items could be used to help the individual feel part of the story. For example if one is telling a story about the sea to the individual suffering from the disability then tactile items such as shells and sand could be brought in. Different aromas and effects such as the use of fans to create a breeze could also be used to help the individual enjoy the story more.  

As said earlier a Multi Sensorial Environment could be used for various abilities and the limits of using an MSE are with the imagination of the facilitator or therapist and the possibilities are endless. 

Snoezelen Equipment

Snoezelen Room

Reference list:

snoezelen.info. 2016. BENEFITS & APPLICATIONS. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.snoezelen.info/benefits-and-applications/. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

snoezelen.info. 2016. SNOEZELEN FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.snoezelen.info/who-can-benefit/snoezelen-for-learning-disabilities/. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

Looking Into The Senses

Senses found In a Sensory Room

The world is full on sensory stimuli. Adding these stimuli to the Multi Sensorial Rooms would help the individual who suffers from the disability to relax and calm down. Most individuals are not able to respond properly to different stimuli and others could have lost the skill to respond due to accidents or different illnesses’. For these individuals the world could be a scary and difficult place full of different reactions to stimulation. This could result in inappropriate behaviour and individuals reacting in ways that others do not understand. That is why Multi Sensorial Environments are crucial for these individuals.

A Multi sensorial space may be used to educate or relax by adapting different sounds, lighting techniques to the needs of the individual. These rooms mainly consist of areas that help the individual to relax, develop learning skills, stimulate senses and help individuals during therapy.

The five senses which we are most familiar with:

1.       Vision: Provides us with details about what we see

2.       Touch: Keeps us in contact with our surroundings

3.       Smell: We use the sense of smell all the time to identify many things

4.       Hearing: Provides us with details about the sounds we hear

5.       Taste: Gives us feedback on different types of tastes

Two senses with which we may not be as familiar are:

1.       Vestibular —this sense puts balance into our lives.

2.       Proprioception —this sense processes information from our muscles, joints, and other body parts to provide us with an unconscious awareness of the position of our body parts

Reference List:

snoezelen.info. 2016. What is Snoezelen®. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.snoezelen.info/. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

snoezelen.info. 2016. THE SENSES. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.snoezelen.info/the-senses/. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

The Snoezelen Concept:

The Snoezelen Concept:

The Snoezelen Concept developed in the Netherlands and in the 1970’s and since then the Snoezelen concept has been established all over the world. Snoezelen is a therapy for people who suffer from developmental disabilities, dementia or brain injuries. The Snoezelen technique consists of placing the individual in a relaxed and stimulating environenment. These environments are designed specifically to deliver various senses using different things such as lighting, colour and music. The use of different materials may also help to stimulate senses.

The Snoezelen rooms were initially set up as relaxation facilities, however over the years the Snoezelen activity began to take place in specifically designed sensory rooms. Originally the Snoezelen concept is an activity which takes place in an attractively lit room. These rooms give the individual a large variety of sensory stimulation to help trigger different sensations. However over the years the term “Snoezelen” has been misunderstood. The original idea and concept that Snoezelen was an activity that could take place anywhere has unfortunately been lost. Over the years Snoezelen has been focused as a sensory room rather than an activity. The idea of Snoezelen being a sensory room and not being an activity has been strengthened by various companies that have been selling and designing equipment for “Snoezelen Rooms”. People now use terms such as “multi sensorial rooms” or “multi sensorial environments” instead of using the term Snoezelen.

Unfortunately society now does not know the difference between the term Snoezelen and a Multi Sensorial Environment. The difference between these two is that one is an activity or therapy that could take place anywhere and the other is a room specifically designed for individuals that suffer from various disabilities.

Elements found in a Snoezelen Room:

1.       Shimmering curtain: Helps bring the fibre optics closer to the user.

2.       Projector: Projects simple colours and shapes which helps the individual relax

3.       Musical Water Bed: Bed adapts to the body shape and gives off muffled noises

4.       Snoezelen corner: a sensory corner were the activites can take place

5.       Talking Cube: encourages physical movement

6.       8 colour switch: promotes inclusivity, choice, control and accessible learning

7.       Wall Panels: can be used as a visual stimulus to teach cause and effect colour recognition

8.       Bubble Tubes: offering visual, audible and tactile stimulation 

9.       Wall and Floor Cushions: allows the user to safely and independently explore their environment

Snoezelen Room

Snoezelen Elements

Reference List:

snoezelen.info. 2016. ELEMENTS OF A SNOEZELEN® SENSORY ROOM. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.snoezelen.info/elements-of-a-snoezelen-sensory-room/. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

especialneeds. 2016. Multi-Sensory Environments. [ONLINE] Available at:https://www.especialneeds.com/shop/sensory-motor-skill-tools/multi-sensory-environments.html. [Accessed 22 May 2016].

Fowler, SF, 2008. Multisensory Rooms and Environments. 1st ed. America: Scope (Vic) Ltd.

cdhaf.org. 2012. Multi Sensory Environments: A Short History. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cdhaf.org/multi-sensory-environments-a-short-history/. [Accessed 7 May 2016].

What is found in a Multi Sensorial Space?

What is found in a Multi Sensorial Space?

A Multi sensorial room is a space that is dedicated to control sensory stimulation. A Multi sensorial space is matched to complete the anticipated motivation, leisure, relaxation and educational needs of the individual. Multi Sensorial rooms contain objects that would help the individual calm down, Relax or even learn things in a more controlled environment.

Multi Sensorial Rooms Include:

·         Lighting effects such as projectors, lava lamps, spotlights, fibre optics, UV lights, mirror balls and even Christmas light to help stimulate certain feelings and moods. If the room is totally blacked out, then all these lighting effects will work best and will help control or improve the individual’s mood or concentration.

·         Sensory activities such as finger painting, blowing bubbles and using play dough are objects that one may find in a Multi sensorial room. Usually these activities are used by the caregivers or enabler. These activities will help the individual suffering from the disability concentrate, relax or learn thing in a more interesting and fun way.

·         Tactile experiences like touching different textures to help the individual determine the material thanks to the feel of the textile is also found in a Multi sensorial environment. Normally different textures are included in an interactive

·         Cause and effect items such as the use of switches would also be found in a Multi sensorial environment due to the fact that these objects would help the individual to control items within the environment. Toys that provide visual effects, vibrate, make noise and have a tactile feel are also found in the space.

·         Soft items such as pillows, mats, bean bags and cushions would also help the individual to relax and calm down.

·         Sound effects such as music, nature sounds and animal sounds would also help the individual to calm down or learn. Rhythmical music with a variety of tone, pitch, rhythm and spacing could be used to help soothe and relax the individual.

·         Sometimes tasting experiences of different flavoured foods and drinks could be included in a Multi sensorial space to help the individual determine a plate by its taste. 

References:

Experia. 2016. MULTI SENSORY ROOMS. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.experia-innovations.co.uk/sensory-rooms/multi-sensory-rooms. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Hidden Angel Foundation. 2010. What Are Multi Sensory Environments?. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cdhaf.org/what-are-multi-sensory-environments/. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Multi Sensorial Rooms/ Environments

Multi Sensorial Rooms/ Environments

A Multi sensorial space is a dedicated room/corner that is designed to block out noise, control temperature and lighting. Basically Multi sensorial rooms are designed for two main reasons, to promote intellectual activities and to create a relaxed environment. A Multi sensorial room is also a space were an individual’s sensory stimulation could be controlled. Multi sensorial spaces are firstly used to generate a state of relaxation and relief. A Multi sensorial environment is used to stimulate the primary senses of sound, vision, smell and touch. Multi sensorial rooms could also help to improve an individual’s skills such as switching, effect to colours and coordination skills.

  

Various individuals could benefit from Multi Sensorial Environments. The following categories could benefit from the Multi Sensorial therapy method: Autism, Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, ADD, ADHD and many others. Depending on the severity of the condition of the individual the power of the Sensory environment may vary.  Normally a Multi sensorial room is isolated from the other rooms and consists of passive or active interaction system and are also matched to complete the noted motivation, interests, and leisure and relaxation needs of the individual.    

Multi Sensorial environments also give people who suffer from challenging conditions just like the few that were mentioned above the chance to enjoy sensory experiences. Unfortunately individuals that suffer from different challenging conditions rarely experience the world as the majority of us do. Multi sensorial rooms provide opportunities for these individuals to bridge these barriers. Relaxing and contesting leisure time for individuals which suffer from these conditions give these individuals a sense of autonomy and control. Multi sensorial rooms could also be used to achieve specific educational and therapeutic goals. Usually this approach is used by Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists, rather than the normal care takers who look to help out in leisure and fun activities for the children.

References:

Experia. 2016. MULTI SENSORY ROOMS. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.experia-innovations.co.uk/sensory-rooms/multi-sensory-rooms. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Hidden Angel Foundation. 2010. What Are Multi Sensory Environments?. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.cdhaf.org/what-are-multi-sensory-environments/. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Linda Messbauer. 2010. What is A Multi-Sensory Environment?. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.lmessbauer.com/content/what-is-multi-sensory-environment. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Getting to know more about Cerebral Palsy.

Getting to know more about Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy is the most common cause of severe physical disability in childhood with approximately 2 in 1,000 newborns being diagnosed Cerebral Palsy is the term used for a group of disorders and postures caused by irregular development or damage to motor control centres in the brain. Cerebral palsy affects the individual early on in their life and continues throughout their lifespan. Cerebral Palsy usually results from a brain injury that happens just before the completion of cerebral development. 

Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and movement and it could also affect learning, hearing, seeing and thinking, this all depends on the severity of Cerebral palsy within the individual. Other symptoms such as loss of site or strange touch approaches are also common in individuals which suffer from Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is not a singular diagnosis due to the fact that the term Cerebral palsy encloses various diagnoses’. 

Cerebral palsy is mainly categorized as spastic, ataxic or dyskinetic. Mainly the cases of Cerebral palsy among children fall under the spastic type, rather than the other two that were mentioned above. The diagnosis of Cerebral palsy in an individual is typically made after approximately 2 years; however identification of the patterns within an individual could be made as early as 6 months. Due to different symptoms, types of treatments for individuals suffering with Cerebral palsy must depend on the person’s condition so that one could provide the individual with the best type of care.

There are different types of therapy methods that have been used to help children with Cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy methods have both been used on individuals and have both helped the children with Cerebral palsy. Occupational therapists also use the sensory integration approach so that they could help to improve the person’s capability to process and coordinate sensory information. Occupational Therapists also use the sensory integration approach due to the fact that it is meant to increase the brains specific skills. According to previous studies, the sensory integration approach is beneficial in helping children with Cerebral Palsy to experience sensory impairments. 

Reference List:

Ryan M. McAdams, Sandra E. Juul. 2011. Cerebral Palsy: Prevalence, Predictability, and Parental Counseling. [ONLINE] Available at: http://neoreviews.aappublications.org/content/12/10/e564. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

thefreedictionary.com. 2014. Cerebral Palsy . [ONLINE] Available at: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cerebral+palsy. [Accessed 30 April 2016].

Mayo Clinic. 2013. Cerebral Palsy . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/basics/definition/con-20030502. [Accessed 30 April 2016].