THE INFLUENCE OF SNOEZELEN METHOD ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM - TWO CASE STUDIES

Background: Snoezelen (Multi Sensory Environment, Sala Doświadczania Świata) is a non-directory, multisensory stimulation method, carried in controlled environment, eg. in adequately arranged room and according to specified... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Snoezelen (Multi Sensory Environment, Sala Doświadczania Świata) is a non-directory, multisensory stimulation method, carried in controlled environment, eg. in adequately arranged room and according to specified rules. Snoezelen characteristic feature is double effect of relaxation and activation. Snoezelen originated in Holland in seventies as an answer to the needs of patients with profound intellectual disabilities. Nowadays Snoezelen is being used throughout the world with different groups of patients.
Method:
The poster presents two case studies from the pilot research project “Snoezelen as occupational therapy method” carried on in Snoezelen room at Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Physical Education in Kraków. It is the first pilot research project of this kind in Polish higher education. Presented case studies concern two autistic boys (9 and 5 years old) who for six months have regularly attended therapeutic sessions in Snoezelen room.
Results:
The results are presented as a comparative analysis of patients’ behaviour modifications under the influence of Snoezelen method, based on Observation Sheets which have been prepared for the research project.
Conclusions:
Both children demonstrate definite changes of behaviour: positive, though partly different in each case. Snoezelen is an efficient method with autistic children, moreover perfectly suiting occupational therapy conception.
Appliaction to Practice:
It is worth while to promote Snoezelen as part and parcel of modern and professional occupational therapy. It is especially important in Poland, where academic studies and bibliography regarding this area of research are practically non-existent.