Snoezelen consists of pleasurably sensory experiences generated in an atmosphere of trust and relaxation. In a specifically developed sensory room or area, experiences can be arranged to stimulate the primary senses without the need for intellectual activity. Snoezelen was developed in the Netherlands with the intention of providing people, who have sensory and learning disabilities, with appropriate relaxation and leisure facilities. It originates from the belief that we all need stimulation. Thus, Lighthouse strongly believes that the special needs children that it serves can benefit greatly from Snoezelen.
Benefits are important.
Communication and understanding between participants can be improved as the pressure to achieve is removed and trust develops. Children, who have perceptual difficulties, appear to gain pleasure from the visual, auditory and tactile experiences. The gentle stimulation has a soothing effect that helps relieve agitation. It will contain special lighting such as projectors, spotlights, star panels, UV lights, mirror balls, and bubble tubes which will help to create warm and cool sensations. Selected rhythmical music with a variety of tone, pitch, rhythm and spacing will be used to soothe the children.