In our everyday world, people can be overexposed to stimuli that can affect decision making, mood swings and increase stress and anxiety. Those who are afflicted by special needs tend to be more susceptible to stimuli and what’s going on around them which can cause harmful or disturbing behavior and an increase in stimming, which is the term used by experts regarding self-stimulation, such as excessive nail biting or head banging to calm nerves in stressful situations.

Sensory rooms can help people who are stressed and anxious or if their condition worsens when they are exposed to an environment that they cannot control. Sensory rooms allow for the individual to control what they can control in their environment, by choosing colours, images, scents and objects that appeal to the touch, resulting in a sense of calm.

According to research, Snoezelen multi-sensory rooms can be beneficial for those on the Autism spectrum as it can help growth and development with regards to the individual’s specific needs as well as behaviour and improve socialization. Snoezelen rooms are safe rooms that are designed and adapted to each individual with specific materials installed such as bubble tubes, fiber optics, music, lighting, cushioned floors and wall panels.

Special needs schools can have sensory rooms installed; however they are not always readily accessible for all special needs students on the regular and may not be fully equipped. Sometimes, reaching out to a private facility, you can benefit from the use of a Snoezelen room and work with your specialist to report your child’s progress. Some private facilities can offer the benefits of a larger Snoezelen room.

“Some of the benefits of using a sensory room like Snoezelen rooms are increased socialization, motor skill and cognitive development, improved self-esteem, focus and reduced anxiety,” says Rachel Ricci, the founder of Caden’s Lighthouse—Montreal’s very own Snoezelen multi-sensory rooms for special needs. “Sensory rooms help with stressful situations by offering a safe, failure-free environment where the child is in control of their experience. Each child is unique. Improvement in behaviour and development is different based on the individual. Parents have shared with us that they have seen improvement in their child after one session; however, most families book appointments weekly/biweekly. Regular visits are essential for therapeutic benefits and routine.”

Most individuals on the Autism spectrum can see improvement in their condition by following through with their occupational therapy and sensory room visits. The improved focus from the sensory rooms can help complete their routine activities more efficiently. Sensory rooms can also be a safe space for children with behavioural issues who can physically act out their aggressions in total safety with the use of padded walls. Sensory rooms can also calm people down by regulating the environment with calming images that can reduce their aggression. People with Alzheimer's or those suffering from memory loss can also benefit from the use of sensory rooms, as it can awaken sensory development or areas of the brain that haven’t been stimulated in awhile.

For more information on Snoezelen rooms, visit Snoezelen.info.