Multisensory and basal stimulation
The
word “Snoezelen” comes from the combination of the Dutch words “snuffeln,” to
smell, and “doezelen,” to doze off. Snoezelen simulation is presented as an
opportunity to promote a general feeling of relief by engaging in pleasurable
and stimulating activities that ease tension and that the user can fully enjoy
(Haggar and Hutchinson, 1991).
The
Snoezelen room aims to offer important
opportunities to improve perception and communication through multisensory
stimulation. Snoezelen multisensory therapy, whose first applications were
developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s, is widely applied in neurological
rehabilitation. Snoezelen rooms have been developed for neurological therapy for
children and people with autism, cognitive disabilities, Alzheimer's, etc.
The
Snoezelen approach makes use of all five senses and their interaction; to
this end, it uses a wide range of light, musical and auditory effects, aromas, shapes, and tactile surfaces. These
effects are produced by devices appropriately activated by therapists based on the needs of the individual.
The
Snoezelen room is
used as a "neutral zone" for all ages and abilities, in which positive
relationships can be established and
the person can improve their motivation and
coordination. The Snoezelen activities aim to stimulate, activate, and maintain the functionality
of the five senses.
Without this stimulation in
the most severely compromised cases, the person could become at
high risk of atrophy
and total compromise of their system.
Snoezelen
is based on previous experiences of sensations and originates from the
interaction with the environment. The multisensory stimulation helps both stimulation
and personal development for persons with disabilities, supporting pleasure of
living and the desire to communicate.
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