Multi-Sensory Environments, Sense-Zational Environments
Preventing sleeping in MULTI-SENSORY ENVIRONMENTS During many of my workshops, practitioners who use Multi-sensory environments with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, comment that after six to nine months their children and adults lose interest and fall asleep. I would like to address this issue because it is of growing concern to me, that individuals using these …
Continue reading “Turning Down the Burner without Turning off the Stove”
As practitioners who wish to promote change for other individuals we must become conscious of the fact that our very presence is an element of change. We human beings are organisms that respond to change. We record, process, evaluate and possibly respond to our internal and external environment. We are monitors of change. Every sensation …
Continue reading “We Forget We Are A Part of the Environment…”
Introduction: When building a dedicated MSE room it is important to control the outside and external influences or variables upon the individual. Variables such as noise levels, light intensities, privacy and even room temperature can be controlled. This is important because it sets the stage for comfort and allows the individual the opportunity to control …
Continue reading “Multi-Sensory Environment – A Protocol for Individuals with Autism”
A MSE is not just fancy equipment put in a room; it can impact the very spirit and potential for everyone who passes through it. It changes behavior, motivates learning, and soothes the stresses of everyday life. It is also fun and exciting. Done properly an MSE will elevate and highlight any therapeutic, educational or …
When designing your Sensory Room, identify it’s function. Definitions of functional types of Sensory Rooms, Tranquility Rooms, Relaxation Rooms, Enriched Environments, Snoezelen Rooms, and Multi-Sensory Environments: Dedicated rooms: A Passive Room is defined as a beautiful, “WOW!” room that has the majority of equipment effects usually on in operation so the person is subjected to …
Continue reading “Definitions of Types of Multi-Sensory Rooms – Passive vs. Active vs. Interactive”
Don’t get me wrong, I love swings personally. It took me a very long time to learn to use one. I couldn’t coordinate the “pump”… But, I am not talking about me, I am talking about the use of swings in Multi-Sensory Environments/Snoezelen™ rooms, especially if the room is being used clinically for those with …
Continue reading “Swings…Love ‘Em and Hate ‘Em! A Conflict of Philosophies…”
Herbert Benson, MD wrote the book “The Relaxation Response” in 1975. This book was revolutionary for its time. Doctor Benson, from Harvard Medical School, was promoting alternative medicine. Or rather reaffirming what Eastern Cultures already knew and practiced, that part of the formula for good health and well-being was self-participation in the practice. He was …
Continue reading “The Multi-Sensory Environment, Relaxation and You”
The multi-sensory environment is a daily moment to moment dynamic occurrence. We wake up in a naturalistic environment and experience smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and touch everyday. Most of which are not consciously entertained by us unless there is a reason. The intensity or strength of these sensations may or may not be under our …
Continue reading “The Multi-Sensory Experience, Developmental Disabilities and You”
The Aging face many issues and losses when they have to move into a Skilled Nursing Home. They may exhibit feelings of displacement from daily roles, anxiety and stress associated with the loss of personal possessions, disorientation or discontent from the new living situation. The changes in their routine and preferred patterns of behavior are …
Continue reading “Tranquility Rooms, Multi-Sensory Environments and Aging”
According to the American Cancer Society, research shows that one of three patients being treated for cancer and about two-thirds of patients with advanced cancer, experience pain. But less than half receive adequate relief for their pain. Although Multi-sensory Environments have been utilized for the reduction of pain in Europe and other countries almost since …