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].