Snoezelen Therapy: Sensory Impairments in Autism
Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Addressing Sensory Impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Multi-Sensory Environments (MSEs), also known as sensory or Snoezelen® rooms, are specialized spaces that contain equipment to modify the sensory environment across various modalities. The MSE provides a controlled multi-sensory environment, allowing individuals to engage with various sensory stimuli in a safe and comfortable setting.
Benefits of MSEs / Snoezelen for Autism
MSEs are commonly used in special-needs schools and are designed to address sensory impairments in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Principles of the therapy are rooted in the understanding that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit diverse sensory impairments, making it challenging to avoid overwhelming them in a standard environment. The multi-sensory environment offers a controlled setting where sensory stimuli can be gradually and selectively administered. For instance, if a child is highly responsive to visual stimuli but experiences under-stimulated hearing, the environment can be adjusted to minimize visual stimuli, allowing the child to concentrate on developing their weaker senses such as hearing. Notably, interoception, which is integral to self-care activities like toilet training, dressing, and eating, is a critical area for individuals with ASD.
Therefore, the multi-sensory environment provides a tailored and supportive setting to address the unique sensory needs of individuals with ASD. The use of MSEs with autistic children has been reported to facilitate behavioral change, leading to improved opportunities for learning. Providing control of sensory changes to autistic children may help create better conditions for learning, and it has been suggested that optimal use of the MSE may come from providing autistic children with control over sensory changes. The Snoezelen approach is particularly effective in addressing impairments in the following sensory modalities: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.
Sight
Individuals with ASD often experience challenges in processing visual information, which can impact their social interactions and daily functioning. Snoezelen therapy provides a supportive environment to address atypical visual tracking, discrimination, and sensitivity to light and color, aiming to improve visual processing and social engagement.
In Snoezelen therapy, colored LED room lights, bubble tubes, fiber optics, touch, sound and light boards, and mirror balls are used to provide visual stimuli. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve visual attention and discrimination in individuals with ASD
Hearing
Impairments in auditory processing can lead to difficulties in sound sensitivity, language development, and social interaction. Snoezelen therapy offers tailored interventions to support individuals with ASD in processing auditory information, promoting improved sound discrimination and language comprehension.
In Snoezelen therapy, sound and light boards, bubble tubes, and fiber optics are used to provide auditory stimuli. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve auditory processing and reduce sound sensitivity in individuals with ASD
Smell and Taste
Difficulties in processing smell and taste information can impact individuals' sensory experiences and nutritional intake. Snoezelen therapy incorporates olfactory and gustatory stimuli to address challenges in smell and taste sensitivity, aiming to enhance individuals' sensory experiences and food selectivity.
In Snoezelen therapy, scented oils, aromatherapy diffusers, and flavored foods are used to provide olfactory and gustatory stimuli. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve smell and taste sensitivity and increase food acceptance in individuals with ASD
Touch and Vestibular
Challenges in processing touch and vestibular information can impact individuals' motor coordination and spatial awareness. Snoezelen therapy provides tactile and vestibular stimuli to support individuals in processing touch and motion, promoting improved motor skills and spatial orientation.
In Snoezelen therapy, tactile surfaces, vibrating objects, swings, and touch and sound boards are used to provide tactile and vestibular stimuli. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve motor coordination and spatial awareness in individuals with ASD
Proprioception and Interoception
Impairments in proprioceptive and interoceptive processing can impact individuals' body awareness and internal sensory signals. Snoezelen therapy offers interventions to address challenges in body awareness, motor planning, and internal bodily sensations, aiming to improve individuals' sensory integration and emotional regulation.
In Snoezelen therapy, various stimuli, including weighted blankets, pressure vests, therapy balls, as well as cold and warm temperature sensations, sound and tactile vibrations are used to provide proprioceptive and interoceptive stimuli. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve body awareness and emotional regulation in individuals with ASD.
Social Interaction and Communication
Snoezelen therapy can also improve social interaction and communication in individuals with ASD. By addressing sensory impairments, individuals may be better able to engage in social interactions and communicate effectively.
In Snoezelen therapy, social interaction and communication are promoted through the use of equipment that encourages interaction and communication, such as touch, sound and light boards, and fiber optics. Studies have shown that Snoezelen therapy can improve social engagement and communication in individuals with ASD.
Summary
Snoezelen multi-sensory therapy offers a holistic and individualized approach to address sensory impairments in individuals with ASD. By providing a supportive and controlled multi-sensory environment, this therapy aims to improve individuals' sensory processing across various modalities, promoting enhanced social engagement, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The therapy's effectiveness in addressing sensory impairments is supported by research, highlighting its potential to enhance sensory integration and adaptive skills in individuals with ASD.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987885/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29887513/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10033482/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10631781/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32915356/